Sermonette: May 30, 2022

Many years ago, I heard a story about a young girl who was suffering from a rare and deadly disease. Her health declined rapidly. However, through a number of tests and some luck, they discovered that her 7-year old little brother had somehow developed the antibodies needed to combat her illness. A simple blood transfusion would save her life. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked him if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. He hesitated slightly, but a moment later, he took a deep breath and said, “Yes, if it will save her, then she can have it.” During the transfusion process, he watched his blood flow out of his arm, into a machine, then into his sister. He laid in the hospital bed next to his sister and smiled, as did his parents and the medical staff, seeing the color returning to her cheeks. She was going to live. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, “Will I start to die right away?” The boy had misunderstood the doctor. He thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her. At that moment, everyone realized that he had chosen to give his life for hers. He chose to lay his life down so she could live. He showed great love (cf. John 15:13). This kind of love is moving to see and even more moving to experience. Few people would say they have experienced love like this in their lives. However, this love is available for all. Jesus gave his life to save yours and he desires that you, too, experience his sacrificial, lifesaving gifts of forgiveness and salvation. I pray that all encounter the living Jesus, and personally know and experience the great depth of Jesus’ limitless love and mercy.