I’m reading through the Gospel of John again. I’ve challenged a couple of young men to read it as their starting point for a structured Bible-reading program. If John hadn’t written Revelation first, this gospel could be called John’s Revelation of the Love of Jesus.
He uses the word love 57 times. Mostly it’s from a form of the Greek word agape, meaning sacrificial, unconditional love. It’s an incredibly powerful word.
We throw the word love around flippantly, but it is seldom used in the same way. “I loved the movie the other night” just doesn’t stand up to “Jesus loves me enough to die for me.”
The love that comes through John’s gospel revelation is stronger than even the love of a spouse, or even that of a parent for a child. Jesus’ love will never waver or falter.
As Christians, we throw John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”, around a lot. We know it’s both true and important, but we seldom meditate on how strong that love is.
John reveals not only how Jesus loves us, but also how we ought to love one another. If we could truly grasp how much He loves us it might be easier to love one another.
This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. John 15:12
Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. John 15:9
By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35
Fortunately, we have the Spirit dwelling in us, enabling us to love as Jesus loved. We won’t get it right this side of glory, but we can gradually improve until then.
My prayer for you today, my friends, is that you grasp Jesus’ love for you and try to love others the same way.
Be blessed
Kevin
Summary
John’s Gospel is a revelation of overwhelming, sacrificial love of Jesus—a love that not only saves us but also becomes the model and power for how we love others.
Key Points
John emphasizes “agape” love, showing that Jesus’ unconditional, sacrificial love is far deeper than the casual way we often use the word “love.”
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