Introduction

Good morning/afternoon/evening, church. Today, as we gather on Memorial Day weekend, our hearts are filled with gratitude and reverence for those who have selflessly given their lives in service to our country. It is a day to remember the sacrifice—the ultimate sacrifice—made by countless men and women who fought and died to protect the freedoms we hold dear.

Today, we turn our attention to a powerful message from the Gospel of John, chapter 15, verse 13. These words of Jesus resonate deeply with the essence of Memorial Day: 'Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.' In these few words, Jesus encapsulates the profound nature of sacrifice—the giving of one's life for the sake of others.

We see Jesus in the lives of those brave men and women who embodied this sacrificial love. They understood the cost, the potential danger, and yet they chose to stand on the front lines, protecting our nation and preserving the freedoms we so often take for granted. Their sacrifice was not in vain; it serves today as a reminder of the extraordinary power of love and devotion. It's an honor to stop today and to consider the lasting impact of their lives.

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.

Main Teaching

While many of us will undoubtedly have some amazing food this weekend, Memorial Day is more than just a day off or a time for barbecues and picnics. It is a solemn occasion, a sacred opportunity for us to remember the fallen heroes, to honor their memory, and to express our deepest gratitude for their selflessness.

It is also a time for us to reflect on our own lives and our capacity for sacrificial love ... View this full sermon with PRO Premium