1. In this verse Jesus described the greatest love that a person can have -- to "lay down his life" for someone else. 2. This is the kind of love that Jesus demonstrated -- He "lay down His life." a. He said earlier in John 10:17-18 that He would lay down His life. b. Laying down His life was a very difficult experience. 1) Luke 22:41-44 2) Hebrews 5:7-9 c. We learn from 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 that the Lord wants us to remember how He lay down His life. 3. In our lesson we are covering passages that illustrate how "Jesus demonstrated the greatest love" when He lay down His life. Discussion: I. JESUS DEMONSTRATED THE GREATEST LOVE WHEN HE WAS TAKEN TO GOLGOTHA [CALVARY]
A. We learn from John 19:17 that Jesus carried His cross as He made His way to Golgotha, the place of execution. B. Eventually, Simon carried Jesus' cross (Luke 23:26). C. "A great company of people" followed Jesus (Luke 23:27). D. When Jesus arrived at Golgotha He was offered something to drink ["wine mingled with myrrh"], but He refused it (Mark 15:23). E. Let us keep in mind that Jesus could have asked the Father to send more than 12 legions of angels (Matthew 26:53). F. After arriving at Golgotha, . . . II. JESUS DEMONSTRATED THE GREATEST LOVE WHEN HE WAS CRUCIFIED
A. Jesus was crucified at "the third hour" (Mark 15:25). B. Jesus was crucified between 2 thieves (Mark 15:27-28). C. The Lord's accusation was fastened to the cross (John 19:19-22). III. JESUS DEMONSTRATED THE GREATEST LOVE WHILE HE WAS ON THE CROSS
A. He asked the Father to forgive those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). B. He was mocked, but He did not respond (Luke 23:35-37). C. He had an exchange with the thieves, and He gave some good news to one of them (Luke 23:39-43). D. He committed the care of His mother to John (John 19:25-27). E. Jesus was on the cross for about 6 hours. IV. JESUS DEMONSTRATED THE GREATEST LOVE WHEN HE DIED
A. He died about the 9th hour (Mark 15:34-37). B. A soldier pierced His side with a spear (John 19:33-37). Conclusion:
1. In John 15:13 Jesus described the greatest love that a person can have. 2. We have seen how "Jesus demonstrated the greatest love." 3. In John 15:14 Jesus explained how we can be His friends (John 14:15; Hebrews 5:9). 4. Have you become His friend?
