Five Minute Devotional — 04/08/2011
Over the years, you have probably heard of some of the frivolous lawsuits that have been brought against companies in this country. For instance, there have been lawsuits by prisoners against the state because of things like their mashed potatoes … Continue reading →
Over the years, you have probably heard of some of the frivolous lawsuits that have been brought against companies in this country. For instance, there have been lawsuits by prisoners against the state because of things like their mashed potatoes being cold. Or, the lawsuit brought by a burglar against a homeowner who shot him when he entered the home unlawfully. Or there was the person who spilled coffee on her lap and burned herself and sued McDonald’s because the coffee was hot.
These are silly types of lawsuits; however, they serve as an example of the mentality of many in our country – that is, a lot of people live with a “victim” mentality. Rather than taking responsibility for their actions, they want to push the blame off on circumstances or other people for the difficulties or struggles that they face.
As Christians, it’s easy for us to take a superficial look at the Gospel story and begin to think that Jesus was a victim. Sure, it’s true that He did absolutely nothing wrong. So we think about that, and we think about the way Jesus was mistreated, and we want to blame the Pharisees… or Judas… or the Roman soldiers… or Pontius Pilate. And while each of those parties had something to do with the crucifixion and brutal murder of our Savior, it would be a complete mistake to think of Jesus as a victim.
The word “victim” comes from the Latin word “victima”, which referred to a “living creature killed and offered as a sacrifice to a deity or supernatural power”. At first glance, it might seem that applies to Jesus as well. But there’s an important distinction – when a living animal would be sacrified, that animal didn’t have a choice. Jesus, on the other hand, as “the Lamb of God” did have a choice…and yet He chose to suffer the humiliating death of the cross anyway.
Consider what Scripture says in these passages, with emphasis added:
Philippians 2:5-8 (NKJV)
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God,
did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself
of no reputation,
taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 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.
Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)
…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.
Titus 2:11-14 (NKJV)
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that,
denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly
in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God
and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us
, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
Galatians 3:13 (NKJV)
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us.
Ephesians 5:2 (NKJV)
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself
for us, an offering and
a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
It’s important that we, as Christians, allow this truth to sink into our hearts – Jesus knew full-well what He was doing. With a clear mind and a heart full of love, grace and mercy, He made the choice to die in our place on the cross. He knew He would suffer. He knew He was taking on the weight of the world’s sin upon His shoulders while hanging upon the cross. Of course, He didn’t deserve what happened to Him. What He endured was horrible. But it wasn’t because of man’s will that Jesus died…it was because of Jesus’ choice, out of obedience to His Father and as an act of love, that He died.
That’s why it’s important that we not ever make the mistake of thinking that Jesus was a victim. Instead, we should think of Jesus in the terms that Scripture uses for Him – Savior ( Philippians 3:20 )…Redeemer ( Galatians 4:5 )…Intercessor ( Romans 8:34 )…Friend ( John 15:13-14 ). We need to be thankful for what Jesus chose to do on our behalf…we need to remember the sacrifice that He chose to make…and humbly accept the gift of love that He offers us.
This morning, there was a news story out of Florida. The story reported about a seven-year-old boy who was playing in his yard with his four-year-old brother and his brother’s four-year-old friend. At about seven o’clock last night, there was a dog that broke loose from a nearby business and came rushing into the yard where the boys were playing. In an amazing and selfless act, the older brother pushed his younger brother and his brother’s friend under the car parked in the driveway to protect them from the dog…and proceeded to get mauled himself as he was viciously attacked. The boy’s father eventually heard the noise and screaming outside and rescued his son…but not until after the boy sustained severe injuries all over his body.
In that brief instant – when the dog threatened the three boys – the older brother made a choice. He chose to put himself in harm’s way and do everything that he could to protect his younger brother and his brother’s friend. His actions likely saved his brother’s life.
Likewise, Jesus acted selflessly, willingly choosing to accept the punishment of death that we deserved because of our sin, and because of His actions, we have received the gift of eternal life ( Romans 6:23 ). He’s not a victim, He’s our Savior. Praise Him today for all He’s done and for His incredible love.
Have a blessed day today,
–Pastor John