READ: JOHN 13:3-17; 15:7-17; ROMANS 10:9-13; EPHESIANS 2:1-10

The knight Yavain was on the verge of tears as he pulled off his dying comrade’s helmet. “Why on earth would you do that—my life is not any more valuable than yours, Rosalind.”

As he cradled her head, Yavain noticed she wore the royal crest around her neck. He stared in disbelief—he hadn’t known that his friend was also the princess of Carissia. He stumbled over his words and bowed his head awkwardly. “My lady, I am, I—”

“You may dismiss with formalities, Yavain, just speak to me as you would Rosalind. We are friends,” said the princess calmly. “Our lives are both equally valuable and treasured by our God.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” interrupted Yavain. “You’re the princess, your life is perhaps the kingdom’s most valuable life. It should not have been taken in an instant of stupid bravery.”

“Not bravery, tender Yavain.” Here Rosalind used a royal voice to speak to her trembling friend, quelling his nerves. “My Lord’s greatest command is to lay down my life for others, just as He did for me. His love is why I did this.” She paused, tears beginning to stream down her paling face. “He sacrificed Himself for both of us. He has already set you free.” Rosalind’s breath started to waver. “By grace you are saved, Yavain. Believe in Him.”

A moment later she closed her eyes, and was gone. Yavain wept bitterly.

“Why would anyone sacrifice their life like that?” Yavain yelled into the forest. He sat there for a long time, pondering Rosalind’s words, still confused by her final moments. What did she mean I’m set free? Does this God really give a grace that saves me? Yavain felt angry. But something else was beginning to grow deep within his heart, whispering that he was loved. And then, all at once, Yavain knew he wanted to live like Rosalind lived, with a love for God and for others. The Holy Spirit had taken root. • Peter J. McDonough

• In this allegorical story, Rosalind had been transformed by her relationship with God—Jesus’s sacrifice compelled her to love others as He loved her. Yavain wrestled with questions and viewed himself as unworthy of such a sacrifice. Have you ever felt like Yavain? As sinners, we could never deserve God’s love for us, but that is the beauty of Jesus. Even while we questioned and doubted, Jesus left His heavenly throne and humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross—all so that we could experience His love and live in restored relationship with Him (Philippians 2:5-11). Consider taking a moment to thank God for His wonderful gift, and ask Him to help you begin to see yourself the way He sees you, as someone loved beyond measure.

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 (NLT)