Jesus lived with more passion than anyone ever has. But the thing that drove him would be called morbid and depressing by most people’s standards. You see, Jesus truly lived every moment of His life like He was dying. And I’m not talking about Tim McGraw style, I’m talking ‘God style.’ I’m serious, gang—Jesus talked about it from day one. Check this out:
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.†John 10:11
Huh? Most of us wouldn’t even think of it.
How about this:
“…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matt. 20:28
or this,
“For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.†Hebrews 9:15
Sounds like dying was always part of the plan. If not, Jesus wouldn’t have belabored the point so much with His thick headed followers. He reminded them of this simple truth all the time.
“For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago.†Mark 14:21
He even told them when it would happen and why it need to!
‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ “ Luke 24:7 and, “Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled.†Luke 18:31
There really are a lot of verses that talk about this uncomfortable subject. Jesus knew it was the only way. But here’s what’s so cool. Jesus teaches that to live this way is also the best way. You see, the world has a tranquilizing affect on each and everyone of us. If we’re not careful we can go through life in a fog and actually spend it living a philosophy that was the polar opposite of the way Jesus lived.
That happens when we ‘live like we’re not dying.’
Well friends, I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news, but you better sit down for this.
Sittin? Good.
The death rate is still hovering around 100 percent ( I just checked—yep, 100%). You will die. We all will. “Every man dies. But not every man truly lives.†William Wallace
* Find out how you can live your life with this kind of passion and purpose. Join us for “One Month to Live†and join a Southbrook Lifegroup to get the most possible out of this 6 week study.
Find out more by clicking here. Or visit the Southbrook website for more information, www.southbrookchurch.com