What Is the Meaning of John 15:13: “Lay Down One’s Life”?

In John 15:12, Jesus commanded His disciples to “love one another as I have loved you.” 

This verse can seem daunting, but it is filled with meaning for us today.

How does Christ want us to lay down our lives for others? Are there multiple ways to apply this principle beyond literally sacrificing our physical lives? 

What does John 15:13 really mean, and what does it really ask us to do? How can Christians apply Christ’s words today? 

How can we lay down our lives for our friends?

Christ’s statement in John 15:13 demonstrates His boundless love for us. Jesus literally laid down His own life for His friends, those who obey Him (verse 14). He exhibited the most remarkable display of love when He died for our sins, showing what true, selfless love looks like. 

We may ask, How can Christians live up to this level of love?  

While it is true that throughout history some have literally given their lives for others, the fundamental reality is that most of us will not literally be in that situation—nor do we want to be.

So, how can we fulfill the greatest love of all that Jesus spoke about in John 15?

The answer comes in verse 12, where Jesus commanded us to love one another as He loved us.  The example He set for us in His life gives us the perfect outline for how we can lay down our lives for others daily.

Jesus’ sacrifice was the most remarkable display of love that any human being could ever show, but laying down one’s life doesn’t necessarily have to include death. In the way He interacted with and served those around Him, Jesus continually laid down His life for those He loved.

In loving one another as Christ loved us, we can learn how to lay down our lives in service to our friends.

A true friend is willing to “lay down” his or her time and energy

During His earthly ministry, Jesus Christ provided the perfect example of selfless service, continuously sacrificing His time and energy for the benefit of others.

In Mark 1, we find an account of Christ’s interactions with the people who followed Him daily. Verse 32 reveals that He worked with them into the evening, healing the sick and casting out demons.

He could have turned the crowds away and asked them to return another day so He could get some rest and personal time. But He didn’t. Instead, He committed His time to helping all of them, changing many lives in the process.  

Moreover, Jesus didn’t choose whom to work with based on what they could give Him. In fact, we find accounts of how He made time for children, the people who had the least to offer Him (see Matthew 19:13-14).

Contrast Jesus’ example with that of the average person. Humans are often very possessive of their time, especially in this fast-paced world.  We often think about what we must do and want to do—without considering what those around us need.

Sometimes, we just need to slow down, look around and recognize where we are needed.

Donating a little bit of our precious time and energy can make a world of difference to someone who needs a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on or another person just to be there.

Job’s three friends didn’t always serve as the best examples of friendship, but they started off on the right foot at the beginning of his trial. In Job 2:11-13, we find the three men coming to sit with their mourning friend in complete silence for seven days and nights. 

These men surely had other important things to do, but they were willing to devote time to a friend in need.

Time and energy are precious commodities in this world. We can use our time and energy only for ourselves or devote them to others’ needs.

A true friend is willing to “lay down” his or her wants and desires

Jesus’ example also teaches us that there are times when, in order to show love, we must put others’ interests above our own.

Jesus certainly didn’t want to suffer the agony of crucifixion, but He did. Why? For our benefit. He put our need for forgiveness above His natural desire to avoid pain. On a much smaller scale, we can also put the needs of those we love above our own.

Jesus’ example teaches us that there are times when, in order to show love, we must put others’ interests above our own.In 1 John 3:16-17, the apostle John addresses laying down one’s life for others by filling their needs: “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?”

As we live life, we will encounter opportunities to help others in need. However, it might not always be convenient. Sometimes, we may not want to share our goods with others. Even so, a Christian driven by genuine love is gracious and willing to give where he or she can (see also Galatians 6:10).

This kind of love is self-sacrificial and doesn’t think of self first. Instead, it prioritizes the needs of others. Of course, this doesn’t mean we should neglect our own needs. But if we are the only person we look out for, we are not fulfilling Christ’s exhortation in John 15:13.

How can we practice John 15:13 love?

There are endless parallels between Christ’s example and how Christians should strive to love others. However, practicing this kind of love is sometimes easier said than done.

Here are some practical ways we can show the love described in John 15:13:

• Actively make time for family and friends. Show your love and concern for those close to you by giving them a call, sharing an activity, staying in touch, sending a card, etc.
• Actively look for ways to fill a friend’s needs. Foster a generous spirit by being conscious of the needs of others. Recognizing the needs of others is a trait that we must develop.
• Actively listen in conversations. Show love by actively listening to what others say. This helps us stay better connected and keeps us aware of others’ needs. 
• Practice a “give” way of life. Train yourself to focus on what you can put into a relationship through service, not just what you can get from it.
• Refrain from spreading rumors or hurtful gossip. Humans love gossip! But spreading rumors, while enjoyable for the moment, hurts others. We can sacrifice the short-term pleasure we get from gossip by applying the wisdom of Proverbs 17:9.  
• Resist the urge to bear grudges. We like to stew in our anger, but it requires mercy and self-sacrifice to willingly forgive someone who’s wronged us.

These are just a few ways to practice self-sacrificial love for others. We encourage you to consider other ways you can apply Christ’s words in John 15:13 to your life.  

Practice self-sacrificial love

Human relationships are complicated, but Jesus Christ gives us a perfect way by which to maintain and strengthen our relationships. Hopefully, we’re never placed in a position that requires us to sacrifice our physical life for another person. However, we can practice self-sacrificial love for others daily. 

Jesus Christ provided the ultimate example of practicing this level of love. Following His perfect example, we can lovingly sacrifice our time, energy, wants and desires for others.

Jesus said there was no greater love than to “lay down one’s life for his friends.” 

This is how we can apply His words in our lives.

Date Posted: February 21, 2024