11. What is the greatest sacrifice that a person can make for his friend? John 15:13. Compare Romans 5:7.
NOTE: ‘“For scarcely for a righteous man will one die.” The word in the original signifying “righteous,” is a different word from the one which is rendered “good.” The word “righteous” here means a man who is strictly honest and upright, but having nothing peculiarly lovable about him. Scarcely for such an one will anyone die. But for a “good” man, one who is kind and benevolent, who would give all he had to feed the poor and clothe the naked, for a man of this class some would even dare to die. This is the highest pitch to which human love attains.’ E. J. Waggoner: General Conference Daily Bulletin, March 16, 1891.
12. Why was Jesus’ sacrifice even more special? Romans 5:6-8.
NOTE: ‘Infinite Love died to save us, His enemies. Does not His love for us lead us to give ourselves for those in the same peril as were we when He took our trembling hand and saved us from eternal death? Love must give; love lives only by giving. True love is not satisfied in merely wanting to see all saved. There are few among professed Christians that do not want all to be saved, and they pray eloquently for the heathen. Jesus saved men by saving each one. He did good to all by doing good to each. Do we love God? Do we want souls saved? Do we want one soul saved, any definite one, so much so as to give our very life? That person has no burden of soul, no real love for the Master who does not have a burden of some one soul, his enemy, perhaps, because that soul needs saving. That is the Spirit of the Master.’ H. E. Osborne: General Conference Bulletin, October 1902.