The Living Word

I’ve been reflecting lately on the ways in which the Bible is truly a living Word, and how God speaks to us through it differently at different moments in time. Just for example: In the Gospel of John (chapter 15), Jesus said to his disciples, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

These beautiful words were spoken on the night of his arrest. Jesus knew he was going to the cross. He was clearly talking about himself.  And we can imagine his disciples, in all their uncertainty and anxiety, hearing these words… You are my friends, I am laying down my life… for you…

As they first heard these words, how do you think they would have felt?

Then, we can think about John’s community years later, reflecting on these same words. Most scholars believe that John’s community was facing increasing conflict and persecution of their own. As they faced this persecution, the words seem to apply not only to Jesus but maybe even to themselves. As they first heard these words, they would ask: What is the depth of friendship we are called to in this community? Might we lay down our lives for each other? Might we lay down our lives for Jesus, as he laid down his life for us? 

Of course today our context is completely different. We are not facing existential threats.  But we might ask: What does it mean that Jesus would lay down his life for us?  What does it mean to worship a God who loves us at this depth… How do we respond to such love? 

How do you respond?

What is God’s Word saying to you today?

Let us pray: We thank you, Gracious God, for the love you have for each one of us. May we receive and feel that love in the very deepest part of our being. And then, O God, empower us to respond with all our hearts. Amen.