ONE hundred years ago, the First World War started. It was supposed to be the “war to end all wars”.

Following defeats at Charleroi and Mons, the British forces retreated, and on August 27, 1914, there was a battle at Étreux where 600 British troops gave their lives to protect their family, friends and colleagues.

Jesus taught: “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 (NASB).

Like many Bible verses, this has a rich meaning.

We see the truth of this verse in the men who laid down their lives at the Battle of Étreux; they literally gave their lives for others.

We also see the truth of this verse in the death and resurrection of Jesus. He literally died and rose again for each of us, so we could be free from the power of sin and death.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul reminds us “…God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NASB).

Jesus thought that you were worth dying for. What do you think of Him?