When a person lays down his or her life for another, it is precious in God’s eyes.
It is divine! God created us to love as Jesus loves.
Jesus knew that the Chief Priests and Scribes were plotting to kill Him, but He kept on loving.
“The chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.” [2]
The “also” refers to Jesus. Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. The Chief Priests and Scribes wanted to eliminate both Jesus and the man that He resurrected from the dead (Lazarus).
Jesus willingly died for our salvation.
Judas Iscariot, on the other hand, was willing to let others die for the sake of money.
Profiteering from the death of others is a very horrible lifestyle.
Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. He did not crucify his flesh for the sake of loving Christ or others. Satan led him away from Jesus, and when the devil no longer needed him, he led Judas to hang himself.
Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” [3]
Again, precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His saints.
By His death and resurrection, Jesus made atonement for the sins of the world. [4]
Sin in your life is the legal grounds by which Satan claims you belong to him. When you ask God to forgive your sins for the sake of Jesus who died on the cross for your salvation, God forgives you and the devil has no more legal claim to you. You are set free from sin, Satan and death. “Whom the Son makes free is free indeed.” [5]
In lieu of His eminent death and resurrection, Jesus said, “’Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world [Satan] will be cast out [Satan has been cast out from the lives of many by Jesus]. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.’ This He said, signifying by what death He would die.” [6]
The proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus’ death and resurrection has brought many to salvation.
The death Jesus died was real. It was painful!
“You have laid Me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the depths. Your wrath lies heavy upon Me, and You have afflicted Me with all Your waves. Selah You have put away My acquaintances far from Me; You have made Me an abomination to them; I am shut up, and I cannot get out.” [7]
The resurrection of Jesus was real. It was a pleasure!
“For You will not leave My soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You will show Me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” [8]
Don’t let praise from self-serving people keep you from giving your praise to the Lord!
“Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” [9]
Be focused like a laser, like Jesus, on completing the mission God has given to you.
“For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.” [10]
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.” [11]
The good Name is the Name of Jesus. The loving favor that is better than silver or gold is God’s favor. By God’s grace are you saved. [12]
“The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; he who is abhorred by the Lord will fall there.” [13]
Immorality is not an idyllic lifestyle; it is an indictment. It is a sign of one’s need for God’s grace. His forgiveness! His salvation! His Holy Spirit’s infilling! The power not to use people, but to lay down your life for them is Christ in you the hope of glory! Praise God!
[1] Psalm 116:15
[2] John 12:10-11
[3] John 12:24-25
[4] John 1:29; 1 John 2:2
[5] John 8:36
[6] John 12:31-32
[7] Psalm 88:6-8
[8] Psalm 16:10-11
[9] John 12:42-43
[10] John 12:49-50
[11] Proverbs 22:1
[12] Ephesians 2:8
[13] Proverbs 22:14
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