Joni and Friends
Spectacle of Glory
“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
John 15:12-13, NLT

Laying Down Your Life

By Joni Eareckson Tada

Ray, who has severe disabilities and is on oxygen, was in a group meeting at a Christian family retreat when suddenly a woman in the session began gasping for breath. Barely able to walk, Ray struggled to his feet, ripped off his oxygen mask, and began hobbling across the room toward her. “Here!” he called out, holding up his tubing. “I’ve got oxygen!” Without even thinking about it, Ray was ready and willing to give his own breath—his own precious air—to someone in need.

Today’s Scripture reads, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” But this woman wasn’t even Ray’s friend. He barely knew her.

Jesus did the same—and so much more—for us. He surrendered himself for his friends—and those who would be his friends. We didn’t even exist when Jesus laid down his life for us. Today, take a deep breath and thank the Lord for eternal life, purchased for you at such a high price.

Lord, thank you for Ray—so willing, so eager to lay down his life for someone else, just as you laid down your life for me. You were my Friend before I ever knew you. You were a Friend to someone who was born nearly two thousand years after you walked this earth. I can’t imagine a greater love.

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