“but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

The love of Jesus is a prominent theme in Christianity for good reason.

We can think of specific instances in which the Scriptures speak of the love of Jesus in specific terms.

  • Jesus loved the rich young man. (Mark 10:21)
  • Jesus loved Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. (John 11:5)
  • John even consistently refers to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” (John 13:23 and many other places)

But what about us? Is the children’s song true? Does Jesus really love me?

How can you know if the love of Jesus is for you?

Sometimes a husband or a wife wonders, “Does my spouse love me? Really love me?”

And gestures of love are sometimes done in order to show that yes, that love is real. Little things are done, like doing the dishes, taking out the trash, and giving of gifts. But sometimes it is in bigger ways too.

Jesus shows His love for us in all of His ministry, in ways that look big and ways that we might easily miss. Truly, the Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed spells out for us the love of Jesus.

“And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.”

His incarnation, perfect obedience in life, and willing, sacrificial death all show His love for us. He even retains the nail marks in His hands and feet and the mark of the spear in His side as visible reminders of His loving sacrifice for us.

God so loved the world so that He gave His Only Son to die for us. But again, we might ask, is this love for me?

And this is where the meal we call the Lord’s Supper is such an amazing gift. What did Jesus say in instituting the Lord’s Supper? Given and shed….FOR YOU!

You! Yes you! He died for you! The one with nail pierced hands and feet invites you to come to His meal in which He gives to you His body and blood and in which He makes clear in no uncertain terms His love for you.

Is this for me? Yes. It is for you. The love of Jesus is for you.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you became man out of love for us. You lived a life of perfect obedience under the law out of love for me. You suffered and died because of Your love for me. And even now You invite me to Your table, and make it absolutely clear that Your love is for me. As You have loved me, help me to love others, that Your love would flow through me and be a blessing to those around me. In Your name I pray.
Amen.

For Reflection

  • Have you ever doubted God’s love for you?
  • Why do you think Jesus gives us more than one way in which to receive His grace and know His love?
  • Of the ways in which His grace and love are given (Scripture, Preaching, Confession and Absolution, Baptism, Holy Communion), is there one that is especially meaningful for you?