Jesus professed in John 15:13 (NIV1984):
13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
He not only spoke it, but he lived it!!
Matthew 27:45-54 (NIV1984)
The Death of Jesus
45 From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. 46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah."
48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him."
50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52 The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"
Let us look at verse 51:
At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
The temple was a place where only high priest could go, to be in the presence of God. The curtain, which covered the entrance, or sealed off the temple, was torn from top (of God) to bottom (to us).
We learn, through Jesus' death, immediate access to God was obtained in that last moment, IF we accept his free gift of salvation.
Have you accepted Him as your loving Savior?
Have you acknowledged He died for your sins?
If you have, have you been living it daily?
If not, what are you waiting on, and why are you waiting?
Heavenly Father,
As we come to you today, we thank you for loving us and sending your precious son Jesus to the cross for our sins. Help us to share your love to those who are unaware of Your plan of salvation. Help us to live our lives in Your glory, and not ours. Lead us with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and give us the wisdom, and knowledge, to carry out your will.
For it is in Jesus name we ask and claim these things, Amen!!
God Bless,
David B.
