Jesus kept pointing the disciples to the Cross as an explanation of His love for them.
The Good Shepherd is laying down His life for the sheep. As we come to the Cross – we see what love looks like. A bloody Savior was dying and carrying upon Himself our sins. And the proof that the sacrifice was effectual – the third day, Jesus rose from the dead.
While in the upper room on that last night before His crucifixion, Jesus left from the head of the table, stooped to wash the disciple's feet like an ordinary servant. Then returning to the head of the table. A picture of Jesus coming from heaven, to wash us clean at the Cross, and rising from the dead to return to the rightful place in heaven.
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. (35) "By this, all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34-35 NKJV)
Jesus told the disciples that they are to love in the same way He loves them – still not comprehending because Jesus had not yet gone to the Cross and rose from the dead three days later.
"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. (13) "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. (14) "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” (John 15:12-14 NKJV)
The Good Shepherd was laying down His life for the sheep. As we come to the Cross – we see what love looks like. A bloody Savior – One who was whipped until His back was like hamburger. He was mocked with a Crown of thorns, then beaten while blindfolded. “Who hit You? Jesus carried His Cross to Calvary, stripped of His clothing. Then nails were pounded into His hands and feet. He was lifted up on the Cross to bleed out – disfigured beyond recognition. For six hours on that Cross, He was dying and carrying upon Himself our sins. Jesus carried our sins into eternity as the Father judged him. Jesus cried out, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" Jesus’ last words, “It is finished.” And He died. He was buried. And the proof that the sacrifice was effectual – the third day, Jesus rose from the dead.
That aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit of love is best seen in our lives as we look to imitate Jesus in His love for us.
Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children. (2) And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. (Ephesians 5:1-2 NKJV)
11. Pick one of these questions and respond.
The following video is the Sunday School lesson that was taught: Lesson 2 – Love