Death

The virgin birth, however hard to explain, is something we need to know. Every aspect of our faith and hope for eternal life hinges on this truth. If Jesus were simply a product of a man and a woman, His life and death mean nothing more than yours or mine.

Why would a man who claimed to be God’s Son remain silent before human authorities? How could one who resisted the temptations of Satan submit to the torment of soldiers? How could a man speak with such power and now refuse to register a defense? Why would a man who walked on water march to His death without a fight? How could a man who raised the dead…die?

The work of Jesus on the cross was applied to this condemned man. All his sin was laid on Jesus, and he passed from death to life. Such is the power of grace. Such is the fullness of forgiveness.

The Almighty took on flesh and made His dwelling among us. His existence was for this painful purpose. Sin had separated man from God. Death was sin’s penalty. Jesus, fully God and fully man, took on death for us. The Sinless One died for sinful man. The penalty of sin was paid for in full at the cross. He sacrificed Himself for you.

Jesus did not come to perform. He did not come to show us another sign. His mission was clear. He came to die so we could live. He purchased life for us by His death on the cross. Signs will draw a crowd; the cross drew scorn. Signs will fade away; the cross purchased life eternal. Jesus let His actions speak for Him. He came to give His life as a ransom for many.

Jesus was not a victim. He did not find Himself at the wrong place at the wrong time. He was not a casualty at the hands of the religious leaders or Roman authorities. Jesus went to the cross on His own accord and for a purpose. The penalty of sin is death. Jesus took this punishment on our behalf. He bore our sins in His body on the cross. He died so we could live.

Love doesn’t stop with this supreme act of Jesus. Those He died for are to love each other as He has loved us. We are to lay down our lives for another person if need be. Jesus’ great sacrifice calls for us to demonstrate great love. Love is costly. Long before a sacrificial death, love must be shown with a sacrificial life.

Death is an enemy. It separates us from the body and takes us away from those we love on earth. It seems final. But Jesus will never leave us alone. As we pass from death He will usher us into life. Jesus will not leave you as an orphan. He is with you during this life, through the passage of death, and throughout eternity. Jesus never leaves us alone.