Boundless Love

“Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.”

John 13:1 (NKJV)

According to a recent poll from Metro, a line uttered by a toy space ranger has beaten the likes of Michael Caine and Clark Gable to be named the most memorable film quote of all time. Have you guessed it? “To infinity… and beyond.” If you’ve seen or even heard of Disney’s hit film Toy Story you’ll remember the character, Buzz Lightyear. The voice was Tim Allen’s, and the catchphrase is as memorable today as it was in 1995 when the film was released. “To infinity… and beyond” is a great description to me of the love of God! Jesus demonstrated that kind of boundless love for you and me! John describes it like this: “Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.” John 13:1 (NKJV)

“He loved them to the end.” To infinity and beyond! It was a love that lasts! Limitless! Boundless! An endless and demonstrative experience! A love that perseveres! A love that never quits! Unlike human love that often wanes and grows cold, a love that is on and off again, easily drifting with mood and circumstance; God’s love is constant and everlasting! The Psalmist describes God’s love like this in Psalm 103:11 (ESV), “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him.”

One of the great preachers of old, Charles Spurgeon, described the love of Jesus like this: “He will love His people to the utmost end of their unloveliness. Their sinfulness cannot travel so far but what His love will travel beyond it; their unbelief even shall not be extended to so great a length but what His faithfulness shall still be wider and broader than their unfaithfulness… He will love His own to the end, that is, to the end of all their needs.”  

Our hearts long for such love. We try to find it from others like the woman at the well only to return as thirsty as we were before. Spurgeon goes on to say, “He will love them to the end of their lives; so long as they live here His love shall be with them; and as there shall be no end of their existence hereafter, He will continue still the same fondness to them.”

The word translated end in the Greek frequently signifies to perfection—He loved them to perfection. Think of the perfectness of the love of Jesus Christ. All that His love can do He will do for his people. There is no good thing that you or I could do to make Jesus love us more and no bad thing we could do that would make Him love us less! No greater love is there than the love of Jesus! He loved them to the cross and back! Risen from the dead, He returned to His own to assure them of His love! To infinity… and beyond is the love of God for you and me! Receive His love! Experience His love for you today! Then share His love with others!

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1 (ESV)

---

To read this devotional online or catch up on past ones, visit kerryshook.org/blog.

As you continue your quiet time, prayer is a powerful way to stay connected to God and the family of Christ. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board offers a simple space to lift others in prayer and let them know you are standing with them. You can also share your own request and receive prayer support whenever you need it.

Another way to grow in your faith is through giving. Help us reach the next generation with God’s Word. To join the mission, click here: Be Part of Growing Faith That Endures.