July 26

John 15:13
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”— John 15:1313Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13).
OUR Lord was speaking of man as such, the natural man. For such an one voluntarily to lay down his life to save his friends from disaster is the highest expression of love known to mankind. But we see a love that transcends this in Christ. He laid down His life for His enemies, for that is what we all are by nature (Rom. 5:1010For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (Romans 5:10)). There was in us nothing that warranted such love. But He looked upon us in our deep need, and in His infinite grace He gave Himself to be the propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:1010Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4:10)). Since He has thus given Himself for us, the least we can do in return is to be ready to lay down our lives for the brethren (1 John 3:1616Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (1 John 3:16)). When the love of Christ constrains us, no sacrifice will be considered too great on behalf of others (2 Cor. 5:1414For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: (2 Corinthians 5:14)).
Yes, man for man perchance may brave
The horrors of the yawning grave;
And friend for friend; or son for sire,
Undaunted and unmoved expire,
From love or piety or pride;
But who can die as Jesus died?