Love Like Jesus

Pete Stearns | February 27, 2022

In the final sermon in our series Like Jesus, we will focus on how to “Love Like Jesus.” We will spend time talking about the “many” for whom Jesus died; this includes, of course, everyone—those who love Jesus, and those who do not.

Notes and Scripture

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. (Mark 14:22-24)

Who are the many?

JESUS LOVES THOSE WHO FALSELY ACCUSE HIM (Mark 14:61b-65)

JESUS LOVES THOSE WHO DENY HIM (Mark 14:53-54 & 66-68)

JESUS LOVES THOSE WHO SHOUT FOR HIS CRUCIFIXION (Mark 15:11-14)

JESUS LOVES THOSE WHO MOCK AND BEAT HIM (Mark 15:16-20)

At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). (Mark 15:33-34)

Going Deeper

Today, Pete challenged us to examine our lives, asking what it is that keeps us from becoming the love of God in the world. This is a challenging question, but reflecting on it is essential to our mission of Making Jesus Famous by Becoming More Like Him.

In prayer this week, ask God to reveal to you, by the power of the Spirit, what holds you back from loving like Jesus. The following categories from the sermon may help you here.

Ask yourself: Which one do you most identify with? What keeps you from loving like Jesus?

• The Accusers – Love of Certainty

• The Deniers – Love of Safety

• The Angry Mob – Love of Distraction

• The Abusers – Love of World

Ask for God’s help in overcoming what binds you from becoming the love of God in the world. Then, by the power of God’s Holy Spirit, go out looking for opportunities to love others like Jesus.

Scripture for the Journey

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)