Some of the greatest truths about Jesus are said in very few words. I am reminded of the time when Jesus joined the mourners for Lazarus. What are we told about his feelings? We are simply told, ” Jesus wept.” John 11:35 (KJV) When the people there saw Jesus weeping, they said Behold how he loved him!” John 11:36b (KJV) What characterized Jesus? It was his love.

There are so many examples of Jesus’ love. Let’s look at some excerpts from scripture.

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, — Mark 10:21a (KJV)

Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. — John 11:5 (KJV)

… having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. — John 13:1b (KJV)

Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. — John 13:23 (KJV)

… as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. — John 13:34b (KJV)

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. — John 15:9 (KJV)

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. — John 15:12 (KJV)

Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, — John 20:2a (KJV)

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.– Romans 8:37 (KJV)

… I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. — Galatians 2:20b (KJV)

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, — Ephesians 5:2a (KJV)

Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood. — Revelation 1:5b (KJV)

Take some time to read each of these verses in their context. I think that you will be amazed at the love of God. A man seeks eternal life, thinking that he can keep the commandments of God. What does Jesus do? He loves him. (Mark 10:21) Jesus shows patience to do the will of God, even when those whom he loves want him to come right away. It is not loving to leave the will of God. Had Jesus gone immediately to Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, he would not have glorified God. (John 11:5)

It is because Jesus did the will of God and was obedient unto death on the cross, that we can have eternal life. The sacrifice of Jesus was the ultimate expression of love. (Romans 8:37) He washed us in His own blood, making us kings and priests unto God. This, Jesus did because of his love. (Revelation 1:5)

Jesus loved in all situations and circumstances. His love was not based on the worthiness of the one being loved. He just loved. He did not love to get, but rather he loved to give. Jesus loved us as the Father loved him. He told us to do the same toward each other. This is the challenge in our lives. Love, like Jesus loved.

God bless, Mike