“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45
There are fourteen more days until Good Friday. In our busy, distracted lives, it is easy to scurry here and there and never give much thought to the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross.
This year I aim to focus more on what Jesus did for us, that sacrifice of all sacrifices on the cross. And I hope you’ll join me in reading daily on the Blog.
In Mark 10 verse 45 it states that “the Son of Man” came not to be served but to serve. For most people serving others in such a self-sacrificing way, well, it just doesn’t come easy always. We love it when someone delights to cook us a meal, or bring us a cup of coffee, or give themselves up in service to us somehow. We would like to think those near and dear to us would rescue us if we were in distress or an accident of some sort. The idea of our loved one being faithfully by our side in sickness or in health brings comfort.
However, no one, humanly speaking, can do this flawlessly. Yet Jesus did. Though it cost Him much, it cost Him everything, Jesus gave His life for us the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus was concerned about His Father’s will and His Father’s will was that He give His life to ransom many. Remember also that Jesus felt everything we feel. He was fully human and fully God, the incarnate son of God. He was truly God and truly man.
A Crucifixion was the most shameful way they put a criminal to death. Jesus was not a criminal. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Jesus is our Redeemer, our Saviour, our Friend, our Everything. He gave His life for us, for our ugly sin.
Our Lord Jesus gave us life, life now by the Spirit of God in us, and life forevermore where we will worship Him forever.
If you doubt Jesus could take away your sin and make you clean again and brand new, why not ask Him to show you what His crucifixion actually means? Ask Him to show you who He really is in your life? Ask Him to make Himself real to you? That will be the most significant request you will ever make. And Jesus will answer. He is real. His sacrifice is real,and it makes all the difference.
To conclude today, I will share the words to a most beautiful Easter Hymn. I can’t explain Christ’s sacrifice as well as I want to, but this song says it well. Won’t you sing along with me today…
How Deep the Father’s Love Lyrics
[Verse 1] How deep the Father’s love for us How vast beyond all measure That He would give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure How great the pain of searing loss The Father turns His face away As wounds which mar the chosen One Bring many sons to glory
[Verse 2] Behold the Man upon a cross My sin upon His shoulders Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice Call out among the scoffers It was my sin that held Him there Until it was accomplished His dying breath has brought me life I know that it is finished.
[Verse 3] I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no powr, no wisdom. But I will boast in Jesus Christ His death and resurrection. Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer, but this I know with all my heart His wounds have paid my ransom.
(Stuart Townend)