Scripture Reading: John 15:1-17
Memory Verse: “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.” John 15:9
The Love of Jesus
The love of Jesus surrounds me
like the air & sky above.
The love of Jesus gives me
light to brighten all my dark times.
The love of Jesus makes me laugh.
The love of Jesus helps me, keeps me,
comforts me, saves me from death.
The love of Jesus…the love of Jesus.[1]
Introduction:
How did Jesus demonstrate his love towards his Father? How did Jesus demonstrate his love towards mankind? Love has many different meanings to many different people. To some people love is the emotional togetherness between a woman and a man. Love can also be a deep feeling toward a certain person, place, or thing. But, love is more than a feeling. Love involves an action. By his willingness to take on the sins of the world through his atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus demonstrated his love for his Father and his love for us. Jesus was completely devoted to God and was committed to following His commands. If we abide in Jesus, the true vine, and his words abide in us, we will have the opportunity to demonstrate love towards God and we will love one another in the way God intended us to. We will put the other person first and seek to love even those who have made themselves unlovable.
Lesson Questions:
- How is the Father’s love of Jesus described? Matthew 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:17.
- How great a love did Jesus have for mankind? Ephesians 5:2; 1 John 3:16.
- What was Jesus’ crucial test that proved His love for us? Luke 23:23-24; Romans 5:8.
- Why did Jesus pray for deliverance from the suffering and sacrifice that he knew was coming? Mark 8:31-33; Matthew 26:36-44; Luke 22:41-44;
In spite of his feelings, Jesus obeyed his Heavenly Father and gave up His life for our every sin. - What does Jesus’ example show us about the love we can have for one another? John 15:12-13; John 13:34.
- What are some ways we can lay down our lives for others? Matthew 25:35-36; Hebrews 13:3; James 1:27
- What are some of the proofs that show we love Jesus? John 3:21; 14:15; 1 John 5:3; Galatians 5:22-23.
Keeping the commandments, believing and obeying God, and following Jesus demonstrates that we love. God. To believe means we are doers of His word. An example of this is: when we get into our car, we believe it will take us to our destination. But before it can be done, we must do our part. Inserting the keys and starting the engine is just the beginning. The same applies with Jesus. If we say we believe in Him, we must be doers of His words and then continue onward until our full redemption. — As Jesus loved us, let us also love one another!
[1] The poem above was very precious to Mike Ahlborn, who originally wrote this study, because it was written by his son, Steven, when he was seven years old. He edited it for this study since it so aptly exemplifies the thought of today’s lesson.