I Lay Down My Life

What an important time of year for Christians as we remember what Jesus has done for us! 

Resurrection Sunday is the pinnacle of God's Plan for humankind!

As we remember this Good Friday how Jesus suffered and the pain He went through for us, let us consider this point:

John 10:17-18 NKJV - Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. 18 No one takes 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 command I have received from My Father.

Have you ever really considered this? 

At any moment, Jesus could have aborted His Mission. He could have decided, "this is just too uncomfortable."

He knew what was about to happen to Him, as He prayed in the Garden for the Father to let this "cup" of suffering pass from Him. 

So, why did He go through with it? 

He was looking to the outcome with eyes of Faith...

Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV - Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

This phrase, "...Who for the JOY that was set before Him..." tells us His eyes were not on His current sufferings. 

One, as the Author and Finisher of our faith, He had you and me in mind, knowing that the completion of this Sacrifice would pay the price to Redeem us and Atone for our Sins that we might be made in Right Standing with God!

Two, He would be given the Right to be seated at the Right Hand of His Father, the position of Authority.

Who has more Authority than Jesus?!!

Yet, who understands and exemplifies true Submission more than Jesus?!!

He teaches us in His selfless actions of the Passion and the Cross, that only those who truly understand Submission to God, will be given Godly Authority in His Kingdom. 

You cannot lead with Authority without living in Submission.

Powerful lessons.