LOVE JESUS! Jesus gives us many teachings about love. He quotes God telling us to love “YOUR NEIGHBOR” [Mk 12-31{Lev 19:18}] and He tells us to love our “ENEMIES” [Mt 5:44]. Many people have showed love to their friends, even strangers by dying while helping or protecting them. For many it is difficult to understand how Jesus died for us to save us from our sins before we were even born, before we ever sinned. Many years ago God designated for His chosen people that an animal should be sacrificed as an offering for everyone’s sins [Lev 16:9] (note: a young goat is also called a lamb). Apparently God revealed the connection to John the baptizer as he referring to Jesus said, “LOOK, THE LAMB OF GOD, WHO TAKES AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD” [Jn 1:29 NI]. Some of the Jews understood the connection although the idea of an animal sacrifice to take away sins seems strange to us. Jesus was aware of what was going to happen as He stated, “THE SON OF MAN MUST SUFFER MUCH … HE WILL BE PUT TO DEATH, BUT THREE DAYS LATER HE WILL BE RAISED TO LIFE." [Lk 9:22 GN]. Jesus referred to this when He stated “GREATER LOVE HAS NO ONE THAN THIS THAT HE LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS” [Jn 15:13 NI]. Many have asked “why did Jesus have to die” and Jesus even asked “MY FATHER, IF IT IS POSSIBLE, TAKE THIS CUP OF SUFFERING FROM ME …” [Mt 26:39 GN]. Although many suggest several explanations, possibly only God fully understands why He felt it was necessary, remembering God said, “SO ARE MY WAYS HIGHER THAN YOUR WAYS” [Is 55:9 NI]. Do you love Jesus?                   Home, Basic,  Subjects, Scriptures