“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

If this man (Jesus) was only a man and not “The Son of God” who chose to give His life for my life, then what a friend indeed!! What a friend! Please understand that this is not to say that I am in agreement with some who proclaim that Jesus was not 100 percent God and 100 percent man.

Instead this is to show the greatness of such a willing sacrifice and show of selflessness, not shown by any mere man or deity. To my knowledge, there has been no other god, king, president, etc. that was willing to die for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2; Romans 5:8), especially for his enemies.

And since the Bible states this as being the case and God has opened my eyes to be able to see this truth, it has made me so very grateful for a true Friend in Jesus Christ.

It has been known and experienced in several cases of life where spouses, parents, associates, etc. have had the opportunity to suffer the punishment for, or in the place of, another. The opportunity was very expressly rejected. There has also been opportunity for a party to prove or help prove another’s innocence by being a testifying witness, if not a key witness, even a mediator (1 Timothy 2:4-6).

I myself have been in a position to do good to those who are not able to do for themselves. I failed. There is almost no doubt in my mind that, if given the chance to be a substitute judgment-bearer for a loved one, I would ultimately miss the opportunity to express “love” in such a way. And now to see and feel the expression of “love” (John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”) has allowed me to only begin enjoying the treasure that I have in Jesus as a friend, and more than just another man.

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!…” (Romans 11:33)

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; (19) But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” (1 Peter 1:18-19)

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”  (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Though I have not seen Jesus face to face, I truly consider Him to be my Friend. And I will be forever grateful for the kind offer of love that he performed for me on Calvary’s Cross.

Thanks!! I have been shown no greater love.