Daily Surrender: Living Out Christ's Love
Summary
In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks to his disciples on the eve of his crucifixion, revealing both the glory of God in his coming sacrifice and the new commandment to love one another as he has loved us. Peter, ever eager, asks Jesus where he is going and insists he is ready to follow, even to the point of laying down his life. Jesus, knowing Peter’s heart, gently reveals that Peter’s commitment will falter before the rooster crows. This exchange is not just about Peter’s journey, but about the ultimate question Jesus asks each of us: “Will you lay down your life for me?”
This question is not merely about martyrdom or grand gestures, but about daily surrender and practical faithfulness. To help us reflect on what it means to truly lay down our lives, four probing questions are offered: Will you make my will your will? Will you make my style your style? Will you make my love your love? Will you make my power your power? Each of these questions invites us to examine who sits on the throne of our hearts, whether we are willing to serve as Jesus served, to love with his empathy and self-sacrifice, and to rely on the Holy Spirit’s power rather than our own strength.
The call to follow Jesus is not reserved for the extraordinary few, but is woven into the fabric of everyday life. Whether in the workplace, at home, or in unexpected moments, we are invited to embody Christ’s love to our neighbor—the next person we meet. Sometimes this love may require great sacrifice, as illustrated by the story of a Marine risking his life to save others, but more often it is found in the small, daily acts of service and compassion. The challenge is to let Christ’s mind and heart shape our own, so that his love is made visible through us, and God is glorified in our ordinary and extraordinary moments alike.
Key Takeaways
- True surrender begins with the throne of the heart. The question of who occupies that throne—ourselves or Christ—shapes every other aspect of our discipleship. Jesus will not force his way in; he waits for us to willingly yield our will to his, trusting that obedience leads to deeper freedom and purpose. [22:21]
- The style of Jesus is the style of a servant. He demonstrated this by washing his disciples’ feet, tying together worship and work, receiving and giving, relationship and service. To follow him means to turn from self-concern to the needs of our neighbor, embodying humility and practical love in every encounter. [24:24]
- Christ’s love is not mere sympathy, but deep empathy that moves us to stand in another’s place. To love as Jesus loves is to see others through his eyes, to feel their burdens, and to act for their good, even when it costs us. This is the heart of biblical love—sacrificial, understanding, and transformative. [26:53]
- Our power to serve and love does not come from ourselves, but from the Holy Spirit. We cannot give what we do not have; we must continually receive strength, guidance, and renewal from God. Only then can we truly be Christ’s hands and feet in the world, offering more than our own limited resources. [28:16]
- Laying down one’s life is not always dramatic, but is often found in daily faithfulness. Whether in moments of crisis or in the ordinary routines of life, the call is to be Christ to the next person we meet. Our willingness to serve, love, and sacrifice—however small or great—reflects the love of Jesus and brings glory to God. [32:49]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[16:36] - Jesus Announces His Glorification
[16:54] - The New Commandment: Love One Another
[17:12] - Peter’s Question and Jesus’ Response
[18:26] - The Legend of Quo Vadis and Peter’s Commitment
[20:18] - The Ultimate Commitment Question
[21:09] - Will You Make My Will Your Will?
[23:13] - Will You Make My Style Your Style?
[25:50] - Will You Make My Love Your Love?
[27:12] - Will You Make My Power Your Power?
[29:07] - Everyday Sacrifice and Following Jesus
[30:28] - A Story of Sacrificial Love
[32:49] - Being Christ to Our Neighbor
[33:10] - The Nicene Creed and Prayers
[40:41] - Announcements and Senior Recognition
[45:20] - Prayer for Graduating Seniors
[45:57] - Invitation to Holy Communion
[46:22] - Memory Verses and Closing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Will You Lay Down Your Life for Me?”
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### Bible Reading
John 13:31-38
(Primary text of the sermon; Jesus announces his glorification, gives the new commandment, and questions Peter’s commitment.)
John 15:12-13
(Explicitly referenced in the sermon: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”)
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### Observation Questions
1. In John 13:34-35, what does Jesus say will show the world that we are his disciples?
2. When Peter insists he is ready to lay down his life for Jesus, how does Jesus respond? (John 13:36-38)
3. According to the sermon, what are the four questions Jesus asks us to consider about following him? [21:09]
4. What example did Jesus give his disciples to show them the “style” he wants them to have? [23:13]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus asks Peter, “Will you lay down your life for me?” even though he knows Peter will deny him? What does this reveal about Jesus’ understanding of our hearts? [20:18]
2. The sermon says true surrender begins with the “throne of the heart.” What does it mean for Christ to occupy that throne, and why won’t he force his way in? [22:21]
3. The “style” of Jesus is described as the style of a servant. How does this challenge our natural tendencies in daily life? [24:24]
4. The sermon distinguishes between sympathy and empathy in loving others. Why is empathy so important in loving as Jesus loves? [26:53]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon asks, “Who fills the seat on the throne of your heart—yourself or Jesus?” Take a moment to honestly reflect: In what area of your life are you most tempted to keep control instead of surrendering to Christ? What would it look like to give that area to him this week? [22:21]
2. Jesus washed his disciples’ feet as an example of serving others. What is one practical way you can serve someone in your home, workplace, or neighborhood this week, even if it feels inconvenient or unnoticed? [24:24]
3. The sermon says our neighbor is “the next person we meet.” Think about your daily routine—who is a “neighbor” you often overlook? How can you be Christ to that person in a specific way this week? [25:31]
4. The story of the Marine risking his life for others is a dramatic example, but the sermon says most opportunities to “lay down our lives” are small and daily. What is one small sacrifice you can make this week to put someone else’s needs before your own? [32:13]
5. The sermon challenges us to love with empathy, not just sympathy. Is there someone in your life whose struggles you have not truly tried to understand? What step can you take to listen to them or “stand in their place” this week? [26:53]
6. We are reminded that our power to love and serve comes from the Holy Spirit, not ourselves. When was the last time you asked God for strength to love someone difficult? How can you make it a habit to pray for the Spirit’s help before you act? [28:16]
7. Looking back on the four questions from the sermon—will you make my will your will, my style your style, my love your love, my power your power—which one is most challenging for you right now? Why, and what is one step you can take to grow in that area? [28:49]
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Devotional
Day 1: The Call to Lay Down Your Life for Christ
Jesus challenges us with the ultimate question: "Will you lay down your life for me?" This is not merely a call to martyrdom or grand gestures, but an invitation to daily surrender—offering our ambitions, comforts, and self-will to Him. The question is not just for Peter, but for every follower of Christ, prompting a deep examination of our commitment and willingness to follow wherever He leads, even when the path is uncertain or costly. In the ordinary moments of life, we are invited to lay down our lives in service, love, and obedience, trusting that Christ’s example and sacrifice empower us to do so. [20:34]
John 13:36-38 (ESV)
Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense Jesus asking you to surrender your own will or comfort for His sake today?
Day 2: Making Christ’s Will Your Will
The throne of your heart is never vacant; it is always occupied by someone or something. Jesus invites you to consciously and willingly give Him that seat, making His will your will. This means resisting the temptation to become your own follower and instead choosing daily obedience, even in the small, unseen acts of faithfulness. True surrender is not passive but an active, intentional decision to let Christ’s desires shape your choices, priorities, and actions, trusting that His way leads to life and purpose. [22:55]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Reflection: Who or what is truly sitting on the throne of your heart today, and what would it look like to give that place fully to Jesus?
Day 3: Adopting the Style of a Servant
Jesus modeled a life of humble service, washing His disciples’ feet and teaching that greatness in God’s kingdom is found in serving others. To make His style your style is to embrace the towel and basin, turning your attention from your own concerns to the needs and sufferings of your neighbor. This servant-hearted posture is not just for special occasions but is meant to shape every interaction, reminding you that the next person you meet is your neighbor, and for that person, you are called to be Christ. [24:41]
John 13:12-15 (ESV)
When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.”
Reflection: Who is the “neighbor” God is placing before you today, and how can you serve them in a tangible way?
Day 4: Loving with the Love of Christ
To love as Christ loves is to move beyond sympathy to true empathy—putting yourself in another’s place, seeing through their eyes, and seeking to meet their needs. This love is sacrificial and costly, sometimes requiring inconvenience or even risk, but it is the very heart of Christian commitment. The cross is the ultimate example of this love, and each day offers opportunities to reflect Christ’s love to those around you, whether in small acts of kindness or in moments that require great courage. [27:12]
John 13:34-35 (ESV)
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who needs to experience Christ’s love through you today? What specific step can you take to show them that love?
Day 5: Relying on the Power of the Holy Spirit
Serving and loving as Christ calls us is not possible in our own strength; we need the power of the Holy Spirit. Our ability to live out Christ’s commands comes from daily acknowledging, embracing, and applying the Spirit’s presence and power in our lives. Just as we cannot give what we do not have, we must first receive from God—through prayer, worship, and dependence on His Spirit—so that we can pour out His love and grace to others. [28:32]
Acts 1:8 (ESV)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to rely on the Holy Spirit’s power today, and how can you invite Him to fill and strengthen you for that need?
Quotes
Will you lay down your life for me? Now could there be a tougher question than that? Especially from Jesus. Will you lay down your life for me? The question not only challenged Peter's commitment, but it is it also the commitment question that Jesus may be asking us. [00:20:18]
So, what I'd like to propose is for us to consider this question in terms of its practical application to our daily lives in light of what Jesus has done for us. How do we translate this into action that honors him? [00:20:48]
He will take that seat because we give it to him by conscious willing choice. The example Jesus gives us is seen earlier in this chapter when he knelt to wash the disciples feet. He was saying this is obedience to God. [00:22:52]
Not that you become great in the eyes of the world but that you serve your neighbor. Will you make my will your will? Will you allow me to sit on your throne? The second question is this. Will you make my style your style? [00:23:10]
Amid the foreshadowing of the cross, Jesus got up from the table and took upon himself the role of a servant. He girded himself with a towel, got a basin of water, and washed the disciples feet. [00:23:46]
In the amazing balance and wholeness of the ministry of Jesus, he tied them together. Worship and work, receiving and giving, relationship and service were presented in that moment. So Jesus put on the style of a servant at the very heart of the Christian life. [00:24:39]
A sure way to experience Christ is to turn our attention from our own concerns, even our own sufferings to the concerns and sufferings of our neighbors. Now, I can't tell you how many times I've been in conversation where the question would come up, "So, who exactly is my neighbor?" [00:25:00]
Our neighbor is the next person we meet and for that person we are to be Christ. That is what Jesus was trying to demonstrate in the upper room. Will you make my style your style? Now the third question, will you make my love your love? [00:25:31]
Not just sympathy, but empathy is loving with the love of Christ because it leads us to understand the needs of others and work to see that they get them. To me, that's a a great definition of the biblical term love. [00:26:43]
We can't be strong in our serving without receiving strength which is beyond ourselves. We can't be out there on the street giving away what we don't have. Our power to serve comes from the Holy Spirit. [00:28:11]
But just in our everyday walk of life, no matter our age, our profession, where we are, when we encounter others who God has put in our path that day, can we pray that the Holy Spirit would call and equip us to show the love of God in how we seek to serve them? [00:29:27]
Greater love has no one than this, as someone laid down his life for his friends. This is indeed what Christ has done for us. when I personally witnessed an event that sums up the practical application of our ultimate question. [00:30:07]
Our love might very well cost us something of ourselves. Be it a minor inconvenience or risking our very lives like Peter, like Jesus, like that Lance Corporal. So, how are we doing in our walk of love? [00:32:24]
Our love of Christ and what we are willing to do for his glory and our love of our neighbor who as Luther said is the next person we meet for whom we are called to be Christ for them. [00:32:41]
I can say confidently that they are ready to take the gospel into the dark world and proclaim the light of Jesus. This class will be one that will witness the love of Jesus to this place. And I know that it's true. [00:43:41]
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