Perfect Love

“Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” John 13:1

I love the old Randy Travis song “Forever and Ever Amen”. In it, Randy sings about a couple growing old and loving each other until their last day. When I hear it, I think about my grandparents who will celebrate their wedding anniversary in a few weeks. 60 years ago they vowed to love each other until death and I have been blessed to see them live out that love. The testament of their love has impacted me and my family, but it is just a small glimpse of what love is.

At Easter we reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus, who not only lived a life of love but loved us in his death. Only in him do we experience perfect and eternal love. Jesus’ love is summed up in John 13. Jesus is sitting down with his disciples in his final hours and preparing them for his death. Even in those last moments he extends love to them. John 13:1 says “having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.”

In every part of his life Jesus extended love. In love, he came to earth to reveal the truth and show us the love of the Father. His love was evident as he healed the sick, restored sight to the blind, and extended compassion to the outcast. Every action, conversation, and teaching was done in love. Jesus’ love is evident all throughout his ministry but is seen most clearly in his death. In love, he willingly gave his life, and bore the weight of our sin so that we may live with him for eternity. Through Christ’s death we see the true nature, depth and extent of his love for us.

We might say we will love someone until our last breath, but Jesus’ love goes beyond that. In his last breath, his love for us is fully seen. Many commentators agree that an accurate translation of “he loved them to the end” is “he loved them to the utmost”. Jesus’ love for his disciples and for us has no end. Even when Judas betrayed him and Peter denied him, Christ’s love never ended. Even when we doubt and question, when we ask why and are angry, he continues to love us.

As Romans 8:38- 39 says “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” As Easter quickly approaches may the weight of Jesus’ love for you sink deep into your heart.

As you go through this week, reflect on the eternal love of Christ. What evidence of Jesus’ love have you seen in your life? How can you share that love with those around you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, As we approach Easter we praise you for your son. Thank you for the love he showed through his ministry and most of all in his death. What peace we have knowing that your love for us did not die on the cross, but is eternal. May your deep love for us transform our hearts and prompt us to share it with others. It is in your son’s name we pray, Amen.

Makalah Scholten
Spiritual Care Coordinator

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