Why it Happened
God loves people. We can read numerous passages of scripture that tells us this. John 3:16 and Romans 5:8 are just a couple of examples. We all have experiences of how God has shown love to us or to our families. God loves people. In spite of our sin and disobedience, He still loves us. He loves us when we’re messy, then He makes us clean. God didn’t simply say the words, “I love you.” He proved his love through Jesus giving his life for us on the cross. God doesn’t love us because we fix ourselves. He loves us even in our sin and invites us into Jesus’ righteousness.
What He Knew
Even as a child Jesus knew who He was and that His mission on earth was to fulfill God’s plan of saving the lost. When His parents accidentally left Him behind in Jerusalem, twelve-year-old Jesus said to them, “Why were you searching for me?╔ Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49 NIV) Jesus knew better than anyone what His life would look like. After all, the days of His life had been written across the pages of the Old Testament. We owe Him a huge debt of gratitude for what He did for us.
To Protect and Serve
Jesus was wise to surround Himself with those who supported Him. In Luke 22 we find “the leading priests and teachers of religious law were plotting how to kill Jesus, but they were afraid of the people’s reaction.” The apostles ate the Passover meal with Him the night before His betrayal. Three women–Jesus’ mother, His mother’s sister, and Mary Magdalene–and one of His disciples were at the foot of the cross as He was crucified. Who is supporting you as you walk through this life? Do you have a close relationship with fellow Christians who will hold you accountable, offer you spiritual support or who will be there for you in times of need? Be wise like Jesus.
Paid in Full
King David was told to offer a sacrifice to atone for a great sin. A man named Araunah offered to give David everything that was needed to make the sacrifice. David refused the offer with these words. “No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” 2 Samuel 24:24 (NIV) David paid to make things right after his sin. Jesus paid to make things right after our sins. The cost was severe. But Jesus paid it for us. His mission was fulfilled.
Words from the Cross
Criticisms about the popular social media site Twitter center on its limiting users to a small number of characters per post–140 characters. Critics seem to think a deeper meaning will come from a greater volume of words. Jesus teaches us so much in just a few words. As He hung on the cross He taught us about forgiveness, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” He offered a view of the future, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” And, Jesus proclaimed, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” Great meaning is in the words, not the number of words.