How does 1 John 3:16 connect with John 15:13 on sacrificial love?
I have learned that references to the fact that Jesus laid down his life using the verb τίθημι -- tithémi -- are unique to the Gospel of John (John 10:11, 15, 17, 18; 13:37, 38; 15:13) and 1 John (only here). --1 John 3:16 "This is how we know what love is. Jesus Christ laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers... " NIV -- John 15:13 -- "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
1 John 3:16 - 18
ESV - 16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?
Anonymous
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Donna Williams
Supporter
Dear Anonymous, these verses are connected because the same Greek word is used for both. As you have already indicated, the word "tithemi" is about sacrificial love. Jesus Christ did lay His life down for mankind, and it is His will that we sacrifice our lives by serving one another. It is through the love of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to surrender to the will of God. We are to follow His example. I am reminded of the example that Jesus displayed in John 13:4-17, where He washed the disciples feet, to teach them about servant hood, and humility.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Good question because John 15:13 appears in the margin of some of my Bibles that have marginals notes! It's a legitimate cross-reference.
Both verses use a very similar structure to define the highest form of love.
John 15:13 states the principle: "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." (ESV)
1 John 3:16a echoes the definition: "This is how we know what love is (NIV)
The first part of 1 John 3:16 is a direct reflection on the standard Jesus set in John 15:13. The "this" in 1 John ("This is how we know what love is") refers back to the sacrificial act that Jesus himself defined as the greatest possible expression of love.
Is Jesus talking about his own death in John 15:13 ("that a man lay down his life for his friends"? Yes! This is Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for the sheep. That is according to the AMPC (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition),
"I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep."
If you want a way to remember 1 John 3:16 (so that you can share it with others), may I suggest 2 ways? The first is alliteration:
Love that moves from doctrine to action. This is always good--believe determines behavior.
1. Recognition: Christ’s sacrifice shows what love looks like.
2. Response: We “ought” to imitate Him—an obligation, not a suggestion.
3. Reach: The sphere is “brothers” and “friends--John 15:13,” extending outward to all neighbors (Luke 10:36-37).
Our recognition of Christ leads to a responsive reach.
The other way to remember this is in song -- 1 John 3:16 Mark Altrogge (but a female vocalist, here) --
https://open.spotify.com/search/1%20John%203%3A16%20Mark%20Altrogge I love it!
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