GOOD (HOLY) FRIDAY
Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He now showed the disciples the full extent of His love.
John 13:1 (NLT)
In the Gospel of John chapters 13-17, Jesus speaks to his disciples during his last hours before He went to Gethsemane:
"I have loved you even as the Father has loved me...
remain in my love...
Love each other as I have loved you..."
These words are among those spoken by Christ to his past (as well as his future disciples) soon before He had to leave them. They are a tender command to live as the Creator intended.
"Love each other in the same way I have loved you. And here is how to measure it--the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends."
Jesus was literally laying down his life for us! Is He saying we must daily, hourly, be ready to lay our lives aside when others need to receive God's love through us? Earlier in his ministry, Jesus said we are to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27) -- does this mean they are beloved in the One Creator's eyes? Must we set their need to receive God's love above our own needs?
None of this is easy in our ego-driven and angry world. Will it help us, as it did the Apostles, if we remember Jesus' promise, "I am with you always."?
Prayer
Loving God,
Thank you for your magnificent gift of tender and infinite love, shown through Christ. Our words come easy and our intentions are often weak, so help us to live the way you intended when you created us. May your will be our will, enabling us to lay down our lives for the sake of others.
Amen
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