The Cooling Stream

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. (John 15:13)

• Those words express one’s commitment to his duty.
   
• It is a real-life display of the heart of true sacrifice.
   
• Jesus Christ lived out those powerful words within hours of stating them.
   
• The upper room event was followed by communion with the Father at Gethsemane, a series of illegal trials, and then crucifixion before a mocking crowd.
   
• As the Son of God, Jesus could have avoided the suffering, torture, and cruelty.
   
• He was utterly without sin.
   
• He did not deserve to die.
   
• But love, the fuel that drives true sacrifice, drove Him to the cross.
   
• As a result, we are forgiven if we will accept His sacrifice and resurrection by faith.
   
• Have we trusted the One who laid down His life for us?
   
• Only Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, can declare guilty people perfect.