Jesus, the Good Shepherd, came that we "might have life more abundantly" (see Jn 10:10, RNAB). Paradoxically, life is given through death (see Jn 12:24). To give life to His sheep, Jesus the Good Shepherd laid down His life for His sheep (Jn 10:11, 15, 17). "There is no greater love than this: to lay down one's life" (Jn 15:13). "It is rare that anyone should lay down his
life for a just man, though it is barely possible that for a good man someone may have the courage to die. It is precisely in this that God proves His love for us: that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rm 5:7-8).
We, the "died-for," can't help but ask the question: "How shall I make a return to the Lord
for all the good He has done for me?" (Ps 116:12) "He died for all so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for Him Who for their sakes died and was raised up" (2 Cor 5:15). Lay down your life in love for the crucified and risen Jesus.
Prayer: Jesus, You gave Your life for me. I give my life for You.
Promise: "As I began to address them the Holy Spirit came upon them, just as It had upon us at the beginning." —Acts 11:15
