Don’t miss this: Jesus got himself killed on purpose.
“I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” -John 10:17b-18a
In the Gospel accounts, Jesus is not some naive travelling teacher from the sticks who runs his mouth in the big city and gets killed for it. He is not some peasant preacher who gets Himself in trouble with the authorities because He doesn’t know when to shut up. He knows exactly who He is, what He’s doing, where He’s going and what is the cost, and He proceeds willingly to His destiny of self-sacrifice.
It is love that drives Him, love for the Father and for the sons and daughters that His death and resurrection will redeem. It is this love that moves Him to lay down His life, to make willing, painful sacrifices for others’ good at the cost of His own.
To truly follow Jesus means we must do the same.
PRAYER: Lord, help me see how you’re calling me to lay down my life for others today, and help me have the strength to DO it.
