THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SUBMISSIVE
SACRIFICIAL DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST
Christ had to become our sacrifice; no one else could open the door of salvation to God.
Have you ever sat and thought of what happened to Jesus from the time of the betrayal by Judas to His actual death on the cross? How one person could survive all the things that happened, to actually live through it all to be crucified. The very betrayal and denials are enough for so many to give up; how did He endure to the cross. How could He love us so much?
We saw yesterday the events that occurred to the breaking of the dawn of the next day; which would be today; what we deem Good Friday. This being the day we mark on our calendar as the day of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and death; it is hard to understand how we can call this Good Friday; unless we see it through the eyes of God’s understanding.
What had to be accomplished for the death of Christ had to happen within the time period from 6am – 6pm, their law would not permit anything less; that’s why the spiritual leaders wanted things done so quickly. They truly thought that their position and spirituality is what took Jesus to the cross and held Him there; but Christ said it best.
Matthew 26:53 (KJV)
Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
The Bible tells us that day began early (Matt. 27:1, Mark 15:1, Luke 23:1, John 18:28 KJV) as our Saviour was taken through a horrid chain of events which we could not possibly imagine. Yet every step He took, He took willingly, knowing the final outcome. John 10:17-18 (KJV) [17] Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. [18] No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. Yet loving all; not angry; taking the steps for the completed plan of Salvation for us as He would become the only true risen Saviour. John 3:16 (KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
After being falsely accused, rejected, betrayed, abandoned, beaten, scourged with cat of nine tails until His very skin was removed from His body (a beating that most died from), mocked, spit on, His beard ripped from His face, crowned and robed by the soldiers with a plated crown of thorns and a robe drenched in the blood from His own body that dried and held the material tight to His wounds (just to have it ripped from Him); stood carrying the final instrument of His death. He was beyond any recognition of himself or of a human. He then carried His rugged cross to the top of Golgotha to spend his last days there as God wrapped in what was left of His human flesh, alone and rejected by His very own creation.
Do you wonder what thoughts went through His mind those last hours here as God wrapped in human flesh. How could He love us in spite of all that we had done to Him (and still do today)? How could He willingly continue the journey to what He knew would be His torturous death? How could He love us so much that He would willingly place Himself in such a position of abuse (just so we could have a way of Salvation)?
The price Jesus paid for our sin that day some 2000+ years ago will never be fully appreciated until, we as believers in Jesus Christ reach our heavenly home.
We must seek to understand that Jesus had to complete what He was sent to do; that
was to die so He could rise again. Without Jesus' death, there could not be a resurrection. Without Jesus' willingness to endure there would be no answer for our sinful state and we could have no way to heaven. 1 Cor. 15:12-19 (KJV )
Only Jesus alone could complete the plan of God; and only Jesus can get us into heaven. John 14:6 (KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. He willingly endured the shame of the cross that we may receive His Salvation.
The final question we must ask ourselves; have we received Him as our Saviour? If so do we seek to understand the importance of what He did on the cross and the fact it is for everyone; and He commands us to go and tell them. Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV)
Why do we call it Good Friday? Because after hanging on a cross, Jesus hung his head and cried out, "It is finished" and that my friends led Him to the place we as His children will never go; the very place where He conquered death, hell and the grave for us. It may have appeared as though the world, the flesh and the devil had won; but not so CHRIST WON.
The very temple veil torn in half to signify our open way to God; Jesus made the way for us to go directly to the Father through Him not through the impurities of man; we
have the pure, holy and righteous Saviour to come to anytime, anyplace with anything and He hears us. Praise Be to God for His glorious gift to an undeserving world.
There are so many things left to cover. Perhaps you can begin where we left off and further your research. It is our prayer that you will take time this Easter season and tell your family of God’s Son and the great deliverance He has to offer each of us.
The greatest thing we can do besides receiving Christ and praising Him for our Salvation is to bring others to Him.
It should be our prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your unspeakable gift; there is salvation in none other and only You could go through all You did out of love for me. I pray Father that You would help me desire and seek to learn more about You and appreciate what You have done for me more every day. Thank You for laying Your life down for me and making a way for me to receive Salvation. Help me Father to have a heart of compassion for the lost and to tell others about You and then bring them to You. In Jesus name I Pray, AMEN.
What Old Testament prophesies were fulfilled that day? Hint: some are found in Psalms 22.
Written By: Bobby & Theressa Lindsey
Date: April 2, 2010