John 15:13-17
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.”
Our current world-wide pandemic has altered life as we know it. Many are dealing with fear and uncertainty for what the future holds. Distancing ourselves from others is becoming harder, especially for extroverts and those who thrive on personal contact. My own life-style hasn’t changed much. Being at home for days on end is a familiar state for me after running a home-based business for years. Home is my favorite place to be, especially with my husband. But this isolation is beginning to stretch my need for more human contact, to be with others with skin on. So I am grateful for the internet that enables me to interact with others, to express love, to offer encouragement, share inspiring stories, to comfort those who are grieving.
Jesus’ years of ministry on earth leaves little doubt that He knew how important personal contact was. He spent those years expressing love for others, changing hearts with His teaching, healing the sick, grieving over lost loved ones, and investing time and energy in the lives of many. He hand-picked twelve ordinary, unremarkable men and loved them so effectively that He transformed them from sinners to saints, from enemies to friends of God. Together they fished, ate, walked, talked, worked, celebrated, slept, taught, traveled, rejoiced, cried, prayed, and grew. Jesus made friends with the lovely and the unlovely, loved and unloved, the poor, wealthy, sick, healthy, the religious, and influential. His love for others was and still is redemptive, healing, and life changing. It was His number one priority—more important than earning an income, owning a home, or worrying about His future.
As we approach passion week, may we be reminded that Jesus is still changing hearts, transforming sinners to saints, healing the sick, comforting those who grieve, demonstrating His redemptive love, as well as His peace, comfort, and encouragement in these uncertain times. And He holds our future in His hands.
Dear Father, help us to trust You for our future. We acknowledge that You are in control and have a plan in all of this. Long ago, part of your plan was for Your Son to die. Jesus knew what His future would be and chose to die on the Cross, for us. Jesus, we thank you, and pray in Your name. Amen.
