What does it mean to lay down one’s life for one’s friends?

Gospel. Photo: Orthodox Life

These words are now understood and interpreted almost exclusively in a "military" context, where soldiers die on the battlefield. In Ukraine, "friends" are understood to mean defending one’s land, while in Russia, it is believed that their soldiers "lay down their lives" fighting against the "Nazi regime". Even clergy echo these sentiments, aligning themselves with the leitmotiff narrative. However, few recall the context in which Christ spoke this phrase. And this context has nothing to do with war.

After these words, the Savior says, "You are My friends if you do what I command you." It seems the key word here is "if". Killing in war, even in a "just war", is still killing. And a killer cannot be a follower of God's commandment. Therefore, he is not a friend of Christ, and the phrase "Greater love has no one than this..." cannot apply to him.

Before these words, the Savior speaks to His friends about His commandment: "Love one another as I have loved you." And earlier still, He speaks of His "complete joy" that should remain in His disciples. These are very important words in which Christ describes the "new", not the "old", society that will exist in the Heavenly Jerusalem, and by the laws of which we, as Christians, should live even now on earth. In this society, there can be no "us" and "them", no enemies (it is not by chance that the Savior insists on love for them). In this society, there is only divine joy and love. If you accept this, you are a friend of Christ. If you believe that earthly interests of one group justify destroying another, you are not with Him.

But still. Does this mean the phrase about the greatness of sacrificial love is irrelevant today? Of course not.

If a person gives their life for another, it is invaluable. But only if they are truly motivated by love. If they die trying to take as many "Ukrops" or "Orcs" with them as possible, if they hate them with all their heart, then their sacrifice has nothing to do with Christ’s words. Such a person is not His friend.

Nor can a political strategist who incites war and hatred, while hiding behind the Savior’s words, be His friend. Even if he wears a cassock.

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