The Father’s Will
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:8
The last week of Jesus’ life was a roller coaster. It started with palms and shouts of Hosanna, the cleansing of the Temple, the anointing He received at Bethany, praying in the Garden that He would be ready for what He knew was coming on Friday, and then His disciple, Judas, betraying Him, the accusing, the scourging, the humiliation, and His death.
To look at the life of Christ puts our own “troubles” into perspective. My worst days do not compare to the last days of Christ. He did not count them as bad.
He came to do His Father’s will. It pleased Him to do it. Jesus said, “but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father.” (John 14:31)
Rarely does an American Christian face someone plotting to take his life. We may be betrayed, but rarely for our faith (though this may be increasing). Christ was killed because of His teaching about His relationship to His Father and His authority as King.
Many of us are preparing for a celebration with family or friends on Sunday – Jesus was preparing for the pain and agony of betrayal and crucifixion on Friday.
Are we doing what God commands us to do, like Jesus did? Has He commanded anything as difficult for us as He did for Jesus? Why do we complain about our circumstances? Why are we so discontent with what He has given us when the Son of man had so little?
On Thursday, Jesus had His Last Supper with His disciples. Then He went out and prayed that God would take the cup from Him, if it was His will. It was not God’s will to take that cup from Jesus. God loves us so much that He gave His Son (the Bible says this was in the place of those who believe in Him) so we could live forever. Death is the penalty for sin. Jesus paid the debt for all who would believe in Him.
But now, HE is the Living Christ, risen, and sitting at the right hand of God. Jesus said, “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Revelation 3:21, NKJV).
Our sin was put on Jesus and He died for it. As God resurrected Christ, He will resurrect those who believe that His blood is shed for us. This is why God forgives the sin of believers in Jesus Christ. If we say we have no sin, then His death will not be for us. Those who see no sin in themselves are doomed because they deny the work of Christ on their behalf.
Those who believe their lives are “good enough” or who count on ceremony and ritual for salvation are also doomed. They have not conquered sin.
Jesus died a terrible, slow death for our sin – being obedient to the Father. But, on Sunday He arose from the dead! He lives so we can live! This is part of the good news, this is our salvation. Our resurrection comes because of His!
Are we grateful? Will we be obedient to our Father’s commands so that the world will know we love Him? Obedient to the point of death?