“For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:7-8 (KJB)
Verse 7 of chapter 5 aims to highlight the stark contrast between human love and the boundless love of God, which is further emphasized in verse 8. In this verse, the author presents a thought-provoking comparison. It is exceedingly unlikely, if not impossible, for one person to willingly sacrifice themselves for a righteous individual. Even noteworthy figures like Noah or Job, while considered righteous in their time, were far from being sinless. Their righteousness was mainly attributed to their adherence to the religious norms of their era, rather than being without fault.
Though it may be conceivable for someone to lay down their life for a dearest friend or a truly good person, such instances are exceptionally rare. However, there does exist a remarkable anecdote that exemplifies the pinnacle of sacrificial love. The story recounts the tale of Damon, who had been condemned to death by the tyrant Dionysius of Sicily. Damon was granted a temporary reprieve to settle some personal matters, on the condition that he would return at the appointed hour and day for his execution.
In an astonishing display of loyalty and devotion, Damon’s best friend, Pythias, offered himself as a surety in case Damon failed to fulfill his promise and absconded. Pythias pledged his own life to ensure Damon’s return. Against all odds, Damon did return, just as the sentence was about to be carried out on Pythias. Witnessing the unwavering fidelity and bond between the two friends, the tyrant Dionysius was deeply moved and chose to pardon them. Not only that, but he also sought their friendship, deeply impacted by their extraordinary demonstration of self-sacrificing love.
This exceptional account serves as a testament to the rare and extraordinary nature of sacrificial love among humans. Jesus himself affirms this notion, stating in the Gospel of John, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). This verse echoes the sentiment expressed in the earlier passage, reinforcing the unparalleled magnitude of God’s love for humanity, which far surpasses any humanly conceived expressions of love.
The story of Damon and Pythias serves as a powerful illustration of the utmost depth of love that can be reached between individuals. It stands as a reminder of the extraordinary potential for love and selflessness that resides within the human spirit. While such instances may be exceedingly rare, they inspire us to aspire to greater acts of love and to cultivate deeper connections with those we hold dear. Through this profound understanding of sacrificial love, we catch a glimpse of the unfathomable love that God extends to us, a love that knows no bounds and transcends all human comprehension.
“But God commendeth (proves) his love toward us…” – This is Present Active Indicative, (cf. Romans 3:5) highlighting the Father’s act of sending the Son, which is also referenced in Romans 8:3,32 and 2 Corinthians 5:19. The love of God is portrayed as action-oriented, rather than sentimental, as evidenced by verses like John 3:16 and 1 John 4:10. Furthermore, this love is described as unwavering and constant. This portrays the incomparable love of God, which stands in stark contrast to even the noblest expressions of human love (vs. 7). God’s love is of the highest magnitude and is a no-strings-attached kind of love. It compelled Him to send His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to die for the sake of sinners, who were not His friends but rather His enemies. This act of sacrificial love surpasses any form of love that has ever been displayed among humanity. The phrase “Christ died for us” emphasizes the sufficiency and finality of His death, as it is expressed in the Aorist tense. This means that His death is more than enough, once-and-for-all, to atone for our sins. Moreover, the word “for” in this context is translated from the Greek word “huper,” which signifies that Jesus died for us and in our place. It symbolizes His substitutionary sacrifice on our behalf.
Reflecting on this immense love, we may wonder how we can obtain all the blessings of God. Should we strive to keep all the rules, join the right religious group, diligently read our Bible every day, or faithfully pray and give our tithes? While these practices have their place in the Christian walk, the reality is that all the blessings we need from God are already available to us in Jesus Christ.
Consider this: everything that Christian maturity entails is merely a recognition and understanding of what we already possess the moment we place our trust in Jesus. Maturity is akin to learning the ropes of the Christian life and exploring the vast riches that are already ours in Christ. grasping the profound wealth of the spiritual gold mine that becomes completely ours the very instant we place our faith in Christ.
In light of God’s overwhelming love and the boundless riches we have in Christ, should we not also be willing to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters? As 1 John 3:16 (CSB) urges us: “This is how we have come to know love: He laid down His life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”
Let us ponder and appreciate the immeasurable love of God, which prompted the sacrifice of His Son, and the abundant blessings that are ours in Christ. May this understanding inspire us to walk in love and unity, ready to serve and uplift one another in the same sacrificial spirit demonstrated by Christ.
Sources: The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology, vol. 3; Word Studies - M. R. Vincent; Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah - Alfred Edersheim