Lesson 184: John 15:13
John 15:13
The Blueprint — The Verse
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.
Memorization Practice
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Scripture quotations marked NIV are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Context — The History
On the night before crucifixion, Jesus teaches disciples in the upper room. Vine and branches imagery prepares them for his departure and the cost of love within the new covenant community.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
After calling disciples friends who know the Father's business, Jesus contrasts hired hands with the good shepherd who dies for the sheep, defining ultimate love as self-giving unto death.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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John 15:12
12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
Read the verse immediately before this lesson (John 15:12) to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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John 15:14
14You are my friends if you do what I command.
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (John 15:14) to continue the passage.
Discussion
- Who has laid down their life for you u2014 literally or figuratively?
- How are you called to sacrificial love in ordinary life?
- What does friendship with Jesus require of you?