John 10:17-18 (KJV)
17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
Who Killed Jesus?
Jesus giving the Farewell discourse to his eleven remaining disciples, from the Maesta by Duccio, 1308-1311. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
People often ask “Who killed Jesus?” Much anger has been spent in the Christian world towards those who are historically documented as conspirators in the crucifixion of our Lord. The focus though, should not be so much on the actual hands by whom the Lord died. Rather, we should focus on why He died. The above scriptures state plainly that Jesus “laid down” His own life that He “might take it again.” He states further that no man could take His life from Him, and that He was given power to lay down His life and to take it again. Jesus came to this earth, died and was resurrected that men might be reconciled to God.
Because God is Holy, all sin must be punished for all time, and “without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin.” (Hebrews 9:22) Only the blood of Jesus Who is fully man and fully God at the same time could satisfy this criteria.
This agreement between the Father and the Son, that Jesus would die to pay the sin debt for all mankind, predates the beginning of time. Jesus is “the lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world.” (Revelation 13:8) He is the Good Shepherd Who lay down His life for His sheep. (John 10:11 ) This is the ultimate proof of the goodness and love of God. What gratitude we should all have for the depth of this love! With much humility we should all acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifice of the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. Because He died and was resurrected, Jesus is the door through which the children of God will be resurrected in the last day.
Let us pray: Heavenly Father forgive us for the many ways in which we have lost focus. Forgive us for having missed the opportunity to witness your love and power by looking at the works of man and giving murderers the credit for the sacrifice of Jesus. Help us to understand the depth of the majesty and power in our Lord’s words when He said that no man could take His life from Him, but that He had authority to lay down His life and to take it up again. Help us Father to rejoice that Jesus laid down His life, and took it up again, because this is the same power that will lay me down and raise me up again, as it will for all God’s children. Father thank You, for this marvelous and matchless gift of life. In Jesus’ precious name I praise You. Amen.
May these words educate and comfort you today. Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10)
– Verneda
© 2013 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.
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