compassion. And, above all, Jesus’ death—full assurance of his humanness—becomes the most eloquent sign of all, for in laying down his life for his friends Jesus reveals the incredible quality of God’s love for the world (15:12–13). While revelation of God’s love is the driving force of Jesus’ mission, it is, in one sense, not its ultimate step. The Word comes into the world and through death and resurrection returns to God. The return to God—not only of the Word but of all humanity—is the final