Would you really die for me?
by Pastor Tim Klein
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Peter asked, ‘Lord, why can’t I go with you now? I would die for you!’ (John 13:37)
We do not often talk about life and death in the usual run of our lives. We don’t like to think about it, especially the thought of dying. However, in the middle of our lives, we are in death. There are situations all around us here and all over the world. Of course, the classic international example is what’s happening in Ukraine. I vividly recall, perhaps you too, the images of men sending off their women and children at the railway station to safety, while staying behind to defend their homes. They were prepared to lay down their lives for their loved ones and their freedom.
I’ve also heard this story of a little sister who was asked to give her blood to her older sister, who was dying. With her blood, her sister could live. After a little while, the sister agreed. The day came for her to give her blood to her sister. They lay down side by side, and the transfusion began. After a little while, the little sister asked her mum, ‘When will I die?’ The little sister was ready to die for her older sister.
Extraordinary love in the face of death.
Now, back to the story of Peter and Jesus. It turns out that despite Peter assuring Jesus, ‘I would die for you!’, he wasn’t yet ready to commit. Jesus knew that and confirmed it, telling Peter, ‘I tell you for certain that before a rooster crows, you will say three times that you don’t even know me’.
The irony of this account was that Jesus was the one who would really die – for Peter and for me, you and the whole world.
Ultimately, however, Peter was willing to die for Jesus. In AD 64, under the rule of Emperor Nero, Peter died – crucified and martyred for his faith in Jesus.
I don’t know how I would answer if Jesus asked me: would you die for me?
But I do know his answer if I asked Jesus: would you die for me?
He did!
Amazing love, how can it be
That you, my king, would die for me
Amazing love, I know it’s true
It’s my joy to honour you
In all I do, I honour you
–Billy J Foote, Amazing Love – You are My King, 1996, from worshiptogether.com songs (Admin by Crossroad Distributors Pty Ltd)
We thank you, dear Heavenly Father, for your Son, Jesus, our Saviour. Thank you that he was willing to die for me and the whole world. Keep me mindful of this in the way I live, that I, too, might be willing to sacrifice for the sake of Jesus and the life that he is won, not just for me but for the whole world. Amen.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
