The Ultimate Act of Love: Jesus Valued Us Above Himself
The sacrifice of Jesus Christ is central to the Christian faith, but fully grasping the depth of His love often challenges our human nature. The idea that Christ valued us above Himself goes against everything the carnal mind understands. Yet, this truth is the cornerstone of redemption—a truth that calls us to awe, gratitude, and transformation.
Valuing Others Above Self
Self-preservation is a natural instinct. We are hardwired to prioritize our well-being above others, with few exceptions, such as the sacrificial love parents often show their children. But Christ’s love transcends this limited human capacity.
Philippians 2:3-8 perfectly illustrates this mindset: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves... In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."
Jesus did not merely say He valued humanity; He demonstrated it through His actions. He chose the cross over comfort, suffering over self-preservation, and death over life so we could have eternal life.
The Agony of Gethsemane
Before the physical torment of the cross, Christ endured unimaginable mental and emotional agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. Luke 22:44 describes the intensity: “And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly; and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.”
This condition, known as hematidrosis, occurs under extreme stress. As Jesus bore the weight of humanity's sins, the enormity of His sacrifice began to manifest. He suffered what we should have endured—the penalty of sin. Yet, in loneliness of mind, He esteemed us above Himself.
God’s Love Displayed
The love of the Father is equally profound. John 3:16, the most quoted verse in the Bible, tells us: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Pause and reflect on this verse. It does not say, "For God so loved His Son, He gave up the world." Instead, it says the opposite—God valued humanity so much that He gave up Jesus.
At Calvary, this love reached its zenith. Jesus, bearing the sins of the world, cried out in anguish: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46). In that moment, the Father had a choice: to forsake His beloved Son or to forsake humanity. Out of His immeasurable love for us, He chose to forsake Jesus temporarily.
Understanding the Second Death
Christ’s sacrifice goes beyond physical death. In Revelation, the second death refers to eternal separation from God. This is the ultimate consequence of sin. On the cross, Jesus endured this separation for us, experiencing the full weight of divine justice.
This wasn’t an abstract act—it was deeply personal. Jesus felt the Father’s absence, and it crushed Him. The cry, “Why have You forsaken Me?” reveals the cost of our redemption.
The Implications for Us
Understanding the value Christ placed on us should reshape how we live. If God esteemed us above His Son, and if Jesus esteemed us above His own life, how should we respond?
Love Beyond Understanding
The sacrifice of Jesus and the decision of the Father to forsake Him momentarily are acts of love so profound that they defy human understanding. This love is not based on our merits but on God’s character. Romans 5:8 reminds us: “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
In a world where love often comes with conditions, God’s love stands apart. It is steadfast, sacrificial, and transformative.
Conclusion
The truth that Jesus valued us above Himself is not just a theological concept; it is a call to action. It challenges us to live differently, to love deeply, and to trust wholly in the One who gave everything for us.
As we reflect on Christ’s sacrifice, may we respond with hearts full of gratitude and lives committed to sharing His love with others. Because in the end, it is His love that changes everything.