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John 15:13
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- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That a man lay down his life for his friends - No man can carry his love for his friend farther than this: for, when he gives up his life, he gives up all that he has. This proof of my love for you I shall give in a few hours; and the doctrine which I recommend to you I am just going to exemplify myself. There are several remarkable cases, in heathen antiquity, where one friend offered his life for another. The two following will not stand dishonorably even in the book of God; became every thing loving and pure, in heathen, Jew, or Christian, must come from the God of love and purity. When Cyrus had made war on the king of Armenia, and had taken him, his wife, and children, with Tigranes his son, and his wife, prisoners; treating with the old king concerning his ransom, he said, How much money wilt thou give me to have thy wife again? All that I have, replied the king. And how much wilt thou advance to enjoy thy children again? All that I can produce, answered the king. By reckoning thus, said Cyrus, you prize these at twice as much as you possess. Then, turning to Tigranes, he said, How much wilt thou give as a ransom, that thou mayest have thy wife? (Now Tigranes had been but lately married, και ὑπερφιλων την γυναικα, and loved his wife exceedingly.) He answered, I will indeed, O Cyrus, και της ψυχης πριαιμην, ransom her even with My Life, that she may be no longer in thraldom. See Xenoph. Cyrop. lib. iii. c. The second example, which is too long to be inserted, is that affecting account of the friendship of Nisus and Euryalus, given by Virgil, in the ninth book of the Aeneis. These two friends, leagued together, had slain many of the Rutulians in a night attack: at last Euryalus was taken prisoner. Nisus, concealed in a thicket, slew several of the enemy's chiefs with his javelins: Volscens, their general, not seeing the hand by which his officers were slain, determines to wreak his vengeance upon his prisoner. Nisus, seeing his friend about to be transfixed with the sword, rushing out of the wood where he lay hidden, suddenly cries: - Me! Me! adsum qui Feci! in Me convertite ferrum, O Rutuli! MeA fraus omnis: - nihil Iste - nec ausus, Nec potuit - Caelum hoc, et conscia sidera testor! Tantum infelicem Nimium Dilexit Amicum. Aen. lib. ix. l. 427, etc. "Me! Me! he cried, turn all your swords alone On Me! - the fact confess'd, the fault my own. He neither could, nor durst, the guiltless youth; Ye moon and stars, bear witness to the truth! His only crime (if friendship can offend) Is too much love to his unhappy friend." Dryden. Those who understand the beautiful original will at once perceive that the earnestness, confusion, disorder, impatience, and burning love of the Friend, are poorly imitated in the above tame translation. The friendship of David and Jonathan is well known: the latter cheerfully gave up his crown to his friend, though himself was every way worthy to wear it. But when all these instances of rare friendship and affection are seen, read, and admired, let the affected reader turn his astonished eyes to Jesus, pouring out his blood, not for his friends, but for his Enemies; and, in the agonies of death, making supplication for his murderers, with, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do! - and then let him help exclaiming, if he can, "O Lamb of God, was ever pain, Was ever Love like Thine!"
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends--The emphasis lies not on "friends," but on "laying down his life" for them; that is, "One can show no greater regard for those dear to him than to give his life for them, and this is the love ye shall find in Me."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Ye are my friends,.... This is an application of the foregoing passage, and more, clearly explains it. The character of "friends", is applied to the disciples of Christ; and belongs, not only to his apostles, but to all that love him, believe in him, and obey him; to whom he has showed himself friendly, by laying down his life for them: for this clearly shows, that Christ had respect in the former words, to his own laying down his life for his people, in consequence of his great love to them; whereby he has made them friends, and who appear to be so by their cheerful obedience to him: if ye do whatsoever I command you; not that their doing of the commandments of Christ interested them in his favour; or made them his friends; or was the reason and motive of his laying down his life for them, and showing himself in such a friendly manner to them: but the sense is, that by observing his commands from a principle of love, they would make it appear that they were his friends, being influenced by his grace, and constrained by a sense of his love in dying for them, to act such a part.
John 15:13
No Greater Love
12This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
- Scripture
- Sermons
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Four Loves
By C.S. Lewis12K00:29Types of LoveLoveChristian LoveMAT 22:37JHN 15:13ROM 13:101CO 13:4GAL 5:22EPH 5:25COL 3:141PE 4:81JN 3:161JN 4:7C.S. Lewis explores the concept of love through the lens of the four Greek words: Storge, which represents familial affection; Philia, the bond of friendship; Eros, the romantic love between partners; and Agape, the selfless, unconditional love that reflects God's love for humanity and the love Christians should have for one another. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these different types of love in our relationships and spiritual lives.
The Greatest of These Is Love
By Corrie Ten Boom9.6K57:15LovePSA 139:14MAT 5:44MAT 6:33JHN 15:13ROM 5:5In this sermon, the speaker shares his experiences during a difficult time in Holland when the Germans were targeting Jewish people. He talks about how he and others worked to save as many Jewish people as they could. The speaker also mentions how he was able to share the gospel with communists by speaking into a secret microphone in his hotel room. He emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus as Savior and living a life dedicated to winning souls for eternity. The speaker encourages young people to give their lives to the Lord and be a light in the world. He concludes by reminding listeners that Jesus is alive and his light is stronger than any darkness.
Testimony - Part 7
By Jackie Pullinger3.7K09:53True MinistryTestimonyUnconditional LoveMAT 25:40MRK 12:31LUK 6:35JHN 15:13ROM 5:82CO 5:14GAL 6:2PHP 2:41TH 1:51JN 3:16Jackie Pullinger shares her testimony of faith and sacrifice, illustrating the profound impact of unconditional love and service to others, particularly the needy. She recounts her experience of selling her beloved oboe to help a girl in trouble, emphasizing that true ministry is not about expecting gratitude or change but about reflecting the love of Jesus, who gave His life for us without conditions. Pullinger's encounter with a gang leader highlights the importance of living out the gospel through actions and genuine care, rather than mere words. Ultimately, she stresses that the essence of ministry lies in sharing our lives and love with others, just as Christ did for us.
All Spiritual Blessings
By William MacDonald3.6K38:08Spiritual BlessingsDEU 7:13PSA 119:89MAT 6:33JHN 15:13EPH 1:32PE 1:3REV 22:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses the contrast between earthly material blessings and spiritual blessings in heavenly places. He refers to Deuteronomy chapter 7, where God promises to bless the nation of Israel if they obey Him. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being members of the body of Christ and shares a personal experience of encountering fellow believers. He also highlights the significance of having the word of God as a spiritual blessing and mentions that it will be a topic of conversation in heaven. The sermon concludes with a prayer expressing gratitude for the spiritual blessings received and a request for guidance and protection.
Cranbrook Fellowship 2000 Albert Zehr - Gentle Leadership (Warnock Afterwards) From Tapes 3 and 4
By George Warnock2.5K56:00LeadershipJHN 15:13ROM 7:7HEB 13:20REV 13:18In this sermon, the speaker expresses gratitude for the love and care shown by the congregation. They mention how the temperature in the room seemed to rise as they spoke, indicating a spiritual warmth. The speaker then shares a personal reflection on praying for their children, with two of them walking with the Lord and one struggling. They mention a song about a strained daughter and the desire for God to reveal His love to her. The sermon concludes with the speaker realizing that sometimes they can be a hindrance to God's work and that it is the Holy Spirit who truly moves hearts.
The Blessing of Being Like Jesus
By Dick Brogden2.3K30:03Christ LikenessMAT 6:33MAT 8:20MAT 19:23LUK 9:51LUK 12:15JHN 9:4JHN 15:13The video discusses the importance of understanding and reacting to the world of Islam, particularly in the Arab world. It emphasizes that Islam is the premier challenge of our time and that this generation must grapple with it. The speaker highlights the Arab center as the heart of the Arab world, where the ideology, finances, and philosophy of Islam are spread. The video concludes with a prayer for the viewers to be like Jesus and to embrace God's will, even in the face of challenges and fatigue.
Letting Go of Condemnation and Judging
By Albert Zehr2.0K56:00CondemnationJER 31:34JOL 2:25MAL 4:6MAT 6:33JHN 15:13ROM 7:7HEB 8:10In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of the hearts of believers and their longing for God to move in their lives. He shares a personal experience of listening to a tape of his son preaching and being moved by the conviction and authenticity of his words. The speaker then attends a fellowship where he is prompted by the Holy Spirit to share a message with the congregation. He emphasizes the importance of experiencing a lasting, eternal work of God in our lives rather than just having temporary moments of enjoyment or activity in church.
God's Gift to You
By Basilea Schlink1.9K01:01MAT 11:28JHN 3:16JHN 15:13ROM 6:23HEB 13:5This sermon reflects on the special time of Christmas in Canaan, West Germany, as a time of praise and thanksgiving for God's love in sending His Son to deliver us from sin and death. It emphasizes that trusting in Jesus brings salvation and that Jesus loves each person like a friend, extending a hand of friendship and help to all who believe.
The Cross at the Center - Part 3
By Derek Prince1.9K28:25JHN 15:13This sermon by Derek Prince Ministries emphasizes the significance of the cross as the doorway to God's secret hidden wisdom, accessible through Christ's sacrifice. It delves into the profound love of God demonstrated through Christ's death for sinners, highlighting the value and worth each individual holds in God's eyes, symbolized by the priceless pearl in the parable. The message encourages believers to understand their true value through the lens of the cross and God's sacrificial love.
Useful for the Master - Part 3
By Jackie Pullinger1.9K08:39PSA 36:5ISA 41:10JHN 15:13EPH 5:251JN 4:19This sermon emphasizes God's love and faithfulness towards His people, highlighting the sacrificial nature of Jesus' love and the call for believers to reciprocate that love by surrendering their hearts to Him. It speaks of the intimate relationship between Christ and the church, symbolizing it as a marriage where Jesus gave His life for His beloved. The message encourages trust in God's purposes and splendor, assuring believers of His unwavering love and faithfulness despite their fears and weariness.
(Matthew) ch.5:6-5:20
By Zac Poonen1.4K55:12MAT 5:3MAT 5:19MAT 6:33JHN 15:13ROM 7:7ROM 7:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not hiding one's testimony in the workplace. Instead, he encourages believers to let their light shine by doing good works, just as Jesus did. The speaker also highlights the transformation of Jacob's life, who initially pursued worldly desires but eventually sought after God's blessing. The sermon emphasizes the need for believers to have the right attitude and words towards others, and to seek reconciliation with anyone they have hurt before offering their prayers or service to God.
Ten Shekels and a Shirt - Part 6
By Paris Reidhead1.3K02:03MRK 8:34JHN 15:13ROM 10:14PHP 2:5This sermon tells the powerful story of two young Moravians who willingly sold themselves into slavery to reach 3,000 slaves on an island in the West Indies who had never heard of Christ. Their sacrificial act of love and commitment to sharing the Gospel, despite knowing they would never return, reflects the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity. It emphasizes the profound impact of selfless dedication to spreading the message of Christ's redemption and the call for believers to follow in the footsteps of those who are willing to give up everything for the sake of the Gospel.
By Love Serve
By Bill McLeod1.3K54:08PSA 142:4PRO 17:9PRO 31:26JHN 15:13ROM 15:1GAL 5:13COL 3:161TH 1:91PE 1:22This sermon emphasizes the importance of serving one another in love, drawing from Galatians 5:13. It highlights the need to show genuine care, exhort, comfort, and support fellow believers, using spiritual gifts to edify the church. The speaker urges the congregation to be proactive in reaching out to those in need, sharing stories of sacrificial love and practical ways to serve others.
Two Young Moravian Missionaries
By Dean Taylor1.2K03:13MRK 8:34JHN 15:13PHP 2:5This sermon tells the powerful story of two young Moravian missionaries who willingly sold themselves into slavery to reach 3,000 slaves on an island in the West Indies who had never heard of Christ. Their sacrificial act of becoming slaves themselves to share the Gospel became the core of Moravian mission, emphasizing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity.
Salvation Is Due to Jesus Christ - Part 2
By Milton Green1.1K11:24JHN 15:13GAL 5:24EPH 5:27EPH 6:1HEB 12:8JAS 4:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living according to God's word and not pleasing our fleshly desires. He warns that Jesus is coming and will bring rewards or destruction based on our deeds. The preacher also highlights the significance of knowing and obeying God's law, as it reveals sin and the judgment and wrath of God. He emphasizes the need for discipline and repentance, stating that without discipline, we are considered illegitimate children in the eyes of God. The sermon encourages listeners to love the Lord with all their hearts and allow the Word of God to transform their lives.
Isaiah 53
By Hattie Hammond1.1K35:40Cross of ChristISA 53:5MAT 22:37MAT 26:39MAT 27:32LUK 11:2JHN 15:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not just reading the Bible, but truly feeding on its message. He encourages the audience to let the Holy Spirit open their understanding of the scriptures, specifically referencing Isaiah 53. The preacher urges the listeners to focus on Jesus and his sacrifice, rather than getting caught up in external symbols like the wooden cross. He also emphasizes the need to surrender our will to God and pray for His will to be done in our lives. The preacher warns against the superficiality of reading a large number of chapters without truly digesting and applying the word of God.
(2006 Heart-Cry) Prayer and Revival Through History - Part 2
By Mack Tomlinson1.0K1:06:34PSA 102:12JER 33:3DAN 9:20MAT 14:13JHN 15:13EPH 6:10JAS 5:16In this sermon, a young actor in New York City shares his testimony of how he embraced Jesus Christ through attending prayer meetings for two months. He describes his life as sad and wretched, having grieved the Holy Spirit and nearly being ruined by drinking. The speaker then discusses how God has appointed times in history to do a new and accelerated work, saving multitudes and nations in a moment. He emphasizes that it is not just great spiritual heroes, but normal, ordinary Christians who can be used by God in prayer for His purposes. The sermon also highlights the importance of sound conversion as the mark of the Holy Spirit and references the 1858 prayer revival as one of the greatest works of grace in history.
What Is Love? the Root of Self-Seeking
By Brian Long89441:29LoveMAT 22:39JHN 3:16JHN 15:13GAL 5:22EPH 4:21JN 3:16In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about Scottish soldiers who were forced to work on a jungle railroad by their Japanese captors. One day, a shovel went missing and the officer in charge became enraged. He threatened to kill everyone if the shovel was not produced. Eventually, one man stepped forward and the officer beat him to death. It was later discovered that there had been a miscount and no shovel was actually missing. The preacher uses this story to emphasize the importance of focusing on lost souls and sharing the love of Jesus. He then references 1 John 3:16 to explain what love looks like, highlighting virtues such as patience and kindness. The preacher challenges the congregation to apply these principles in their own lives, particularly in being patient and waiting on others.
Worship God With Your Life
By Tim Conway82301:32PSA 100:4MAT 18:20JHN 15:13HEB 12:2This sermon emphasizes gratitude and worship for God's intrinsic worthiness, highlighting the sacrificial love of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane as a prelude to the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. It calls for remembrance of Christ's immense love and the assurance that He carries believers through all trials, especially when gathered in His name for strength and encouragement.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Being Completely Broken
By Sandeep Poonen74055:18PSA 46:1ISA 41:10JHN 3:16JHN 15:13ROM 8:322CO 2:14HEB 11:211PE 1:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of embracing trials as a means to truly know God, highlighting the significance of humbling oneself in the face of challenges and finding God's strength and refuge in times of trouble. It encourages focusing on knowing God deeply, making Jesus the ultimate hero in life, and prioritizing His approval over worldly definitions of success or failure.
Christ Died for Evil People
By Zac Poonen59720:35JHN 15:13This sermon focuses on the significance of partaking in the Lord's Supper as a remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice, emphasizing the call to love and forgive others as Jesus did. It highlights the depth of Jesus' love for sinners, challenging listeners to reflect on their attitudes towards those who mistreat them and to strive for humility and grace in their spiritual growth.
Time for Jesus
By Basilea Schlink56004:35Radio ShowPSA 86:11MAT 16:24MAT 22:37LUK 14:33JHN 15:131JN 4:19REV 2:4In this sermon by Basil E. Shlink, the focus is on the importance of making time for Jesus in our lives. The sermon begins with a hymn expressing the desire to live solely for Jesus and bring comfort to his heart. The speaker emphasizes the concept of "first love," a love that is solely directed towards Jesus and leads to serving him wholeheartedly. The sermon shares the story of a schoolteacher who canceled her vacation plans and dedicated her time to Jesus, resulting in a renewed sense of strength and joy. The sermon concludes by urging listeners to respond to Jesus' extravagant love with a lavish love that gives all and never counts the cost.
David Speaking Out Against His Enemies Part 1
By Chuck Smith54725:04DavidPSA 109:1MAT 6:33JHN 15:13ROM 8:28HEB 10:26In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the 109th and 110th Psalms, which are Messianic Psalms that prophesy about Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the judgment of God and the consequences of rejecting God's offers of salvation. Pastor Chuck warns that the judgment of God will be a fearful and awesome thing for those who have despised and rejected His grace. However, he also highlights the love and compassion of God, who has provided everything for our salvation and well-being.
Practical Questions About Nonresistance
By Dean Taylor51853:46MAT 16:24JHN 15:13ROM 8:35ROM 8:371CO 1:182CO 10:3EPH 6:122TI 3:10REV 5:5REV 14:12This sermon delves deep into the concept of non-resistance in the face of challenges and persecution, exploring various 'what if' scenarios that often arise when discussing biblical teachings. It emphasizes the need to trust in God's love and power, to be willing to sacrifice for the faith, and to live out the teachings of Jesus in a practical and transformative way.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That a man lay down his life for his friends - No man can carry his love for his friend farther than this: for, when he gives up his life, he gives up all that he has. This proof of my love for you I shall give in a few hours; and the doctrine which I recommend to you I am just going to exemplify myself. There are several remarkable cases, in heathen antiquity, where one friend offered his life for another. The two following will not stand dishonorably even in the book of God; became every thing loving and pure, in heathen, Jew, or Christian, must come from the God of love and purity. When Cyrus had made war on the king of Armenia, and had taken him, his wife, and children, with Tigranes his son, and his wife, prisoners; treating with the old king concerning his ransom, he said, How much money wilt thou give me to have thy wife again? All that I have, replied the king. And how much wilt thou advance to enjoy thy children again? All that I can produce, answered the king. By reckoning thus, said Cyrus, you prize these at twice as much as you possess. Then, turning to Tigranes, he said, How much wilt thou give as a ransom, that thou mayest have thy wife? (Now Tigranes had been but lately married, και ὑπερφιλων την γυναικα, and loved his wife exceedingly.) He answered, I will indeed, O Cyrus, και της ψυχης πριαιμην, ransom her even with My Life, that she may be no longer in thraldom. See Xenoph. Cyrop. lib. iii. c. The second example, which is too long to be inserted, is that affecting account of the friendship of Nisus and Euryalus, given by Virgil, in the ninth book of the Aeneis. These two friends, leagued together, had slain many of the Rutulians in a night attack: at last Euryalus was taken prisoner. Nisus, concealed in a thicket, slew several of the enemy's chiefs with his javelins: Volscens, their general, not seeing the hand by which his officers were slain, determines to wreak his vengeance upon his prisoner. Nisus, seeing his friend about to be transfixed with the sword, rushing out of the wood where he lay hidden, suddenly cries: - Me! Me! adsum qui Feci! in Me convertite ferrum, O Rutuli! MeA fraus omnis: - nihil Iste - nec ausus, Nec potuit - Caelum hoc, et conscia sidera testor! Tantum infelicem Nimium Dilexit Amicum. Aen. lib. ix. l. 427, etc. "Me! Me! he cried, turn all your swords alone On Me! - the fact confess'd, the fault my own. He neither could, nor durst, the guiltless youth; Ye moon and stars, bear witness to the truth! His only crime (if friendship can offend) Is too much love to his unhappy friend." Dryden. Those who understand the beautiful original will at once perceive that the earnestness, confusion, disorder, impatience, and burning love of the Friend, are poorly imitated in the above tame translation. The friendship of David and Jonathan is well known: the latter cheerfully gave up his crown to his friend, though himself was every way worthy to wear it. But when all these instances of rare friendship and affection are seen, read, and admired, let the affected reader turn his astonished eyes to Jesus, pouring out his blood, not for his friends, but for his Enemies; and, in the agonies of death, making supplication for his murderers, with, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do! - and then let him help exclaiming, if he can, "O Lamb of God, was ever pain, Was ever Love like Thine!"
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends--The emphasis lies not on "friends," but on "laying down his life" for them; that is, "One can show no greater regard for those dear to him than to give his life for them, and this is the love ye shall find in Me."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Ye are my friends,.... This is an application of the foregoing passage, and more, clearly explains it. The character of "friends", is applied to the disciples of Christ; and belongs, not only to his apostles, but to all that love him, believe in him, and obey him; to whom he has showed himself friendly, by laying down his life for them: for this clearly shows, that Christ had respect in the former words, to his own laying down his life for his people, in consequence of his great love to them; whereby he has made them friends, and who appear to be so by their cheerful obedience to him: if ye do whatsoever I command you; not that their doing of the commandments of Christ interested them in his favour; or made them his friends; or was the reason and motive of his laying down his life for them, and showing himself in such a friendly manner to them: but the sense is, that by observing his commands from a principle of love, they would make it appear that they were his friends, being influenced by his grace, and constrained by a sense of his love in dying for them, to act such a part.