Session 18

How to sacrifice like Jesus does

From Preparing Your Heart to Lead: A 28-Day Devotional

Selflessness and sacrifice are unnatural. We have to put aside what we want if we’re going to benefit someone else. We can’t do that on our own. We need an example to follow. 

In John 10:11-19, Jesus describes Himself as a good shepherd who does what is best for His sheep. When we love people selflessly, we love like Jesus does. But what does that look like in everyday life?

1. Love your neighbor as yourself. 

It is human nature to seek the best for ourselves. Just watch children at an Easter egg hunt or adults on Black Friday. 

Jesus showed us a better way. Jesus gave up His rightful place in heaven to live among us on Earth. Then, He died a death He didn’t deserve to give us eternal life. When we put others first, we love our neighbors like we love ourselves (Mark 12:30-31).

2. Put others first. 

Is your life characterized by thinking about others or about yourself? Would your coworkers or classmates describe you as a selfish or someone who puts others before themselves? 

Even when Jesus was hungry, tired, or ready to get alone and pray, when He saw a crowd, He had compassion on them and ministered to them (Matthew 14:13-20). Jesus calls on us to sacrifice our wants and needs for our people the way He did for us (Ephesians 5:2).

3. Do this without grumbling. 

Loving sacrificially requires that we lay down our desires every day. And when we can do that without grumbling, people take notice (Philippians 2:12-16). 

Jesus is our shepherd. When we follow His example and draw from His strength — available to us through the Holy Spirit — we can live a life characterized by supernatural love and lead our groups to a life of faith (John 14:16).

Reflect:

• Are you willing to help someone even when it's inconvenient for you?
• Do you help when asked, but feel resentment about it?
• How can you love sacrificially this week?