Love That Lays Itself Down
17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
19 There was again a division among the Jews because of these words. 20 Many of them said, “He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?” 21 Others said, “These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
John 10:17-21
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Love That Lays Itself Down
The love of Jesus is not sentimental or self-serving, it is cruciform. When He says He lays down His life of His own accord, He speaks not as a victim but as the Good Shepherd who willingly goes to the cross. His death is both voluntary and obedient, the perfect act of divine love and authority. The cross is not defeat but the very place where love triumphs. Some called Him mad; others heard the ring of truth. So it is still today, Christ’s self-giving love offends human pride, yet it draws faith from those who hear His voice. The Shepherd’s authority and His love meet at the cross, where sin and death are undone. Because He laid down His life, He has authority to take it up again, and in that resurrection, He gathers His scattered sheep into eternal safety.
19 There was again a division among the Jews because of these words. 20 Many of them said, “He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?” 21 Others said, “These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
John 10:17-21
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Love That Lays Itself Down
The love of Jesus is not sentimental or self-serving, it is cruciform. When He says He lays down His life of His own accord, He speaks not as a victim but as the Good Shepherd who willingly goes to the cross. His death is both voluntary and obedient, the perfect act of divine love and authority. The cross is not defeat but the very place where love triumphs. Some called Him mad; others heard the ring of truth. So it is still today, Christ’s self-giving love offends human pride, yet it draws faith from those who hear His voice. The Shepherd’s authority and His love meet at the cross, where sin and death are undone. Because He laid down His life, He has authority to take it up again, and in that resurrection, He gathers His scattered sheep into eternal safety.
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