Love stories are very popular. We’ve seen them acted out in movies, read them in books, and heard about them in song, and conversation. Each story holds a special place in someone’s heart. However, there is a story of love that transcends any that has ever been told. This story should hold a special place in all of our hearts. This story is true, and needs to be told to the world. It is my duty, as one having heard it, to tell it to you. And so it goes…

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made” (John 1:1, 3). Through the eternal Word you were made, along with all the things you can see. He is the artist to whom the credit is due. He created these things for a reason. “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7). He made them for you.

“Through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12). In every love story there is a moment of sorrow. A moment where doubt is conceived. Despite the gift of creation, and the gift of life, you “worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator” (Romans 1:25). With every action there is a consequence. In serving sin, you earned death (cf. Romans 6:23).

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Yes, that word, who was in the beginning, and through whom you were made, came to live as you live. The only possible way for you to evade the wage of death was for Him to accept it for you. Not only that, but He had to accomplish what seemed impossible. He had to overcome the death that you earned. And He did it without any petition from sinful man. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

“And when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.” “Then they crucified Him” (Matthew 27:26, 35). The Word who loves you was ruthlessly nailed to a tree. He suffered the consequences of your sin. He was mocked even by the robbers who were crucified with Him (cf. Matthew 27:44). There wasn’t any respect to be found for the Man who gave up His life for the world. “And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit” (Matthew 27:50). Jesus died on the cross for you.

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). Ultimately, all of mankind is responsible for the death of Christ. Yes, that includes you. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

“When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of rock” (Matthew 27:59-60). In grief, two women, both named Mary, went to see the tomb. They found that He had risen (cf. Matthew 28:1-8). Jesus had accomplished what only the Son of God could, He overcame death. “The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:56-57). You can have the victory because of Jesus.

Jesus died because He loves you. Through His resurrection you have hope. “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). “This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). Jesus knew you would sin. He knew you needed a plan for salvation. Through His death, burial, and resurrection you can become a new creature in Him. “Repent, and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). All that is asked of you is your obedience. Don’t ignore this great story of love. Obey.