Those who believe in a future kingdom of God to come and reign on earth are clearly dissatisfied with the system as it now exists. The innocent die, the righteous are punished, wars destroy mothers and children and the masses who have power are lulled into sleep—which is probably good as well, for the masses would only enact greater injustices than their leaders do. Yet many leaders of governmental powers are abusive, unjust and concerned only with their own position, not the good of the people or in doing what is right. God is not satisfied with injustice in the governments of the world and he has promised that injustice—especially against the poor and lowly—will be destroyed.
But there is a disagreement as to how God creates justice in the world. Some say that God is working through the wars, the court systems, and the unjust governments of the world. This is certainly true, to a degree, but Jesus was not satisfied with God working his justice through judgement and hated and killing. He established a new way of dealing with injustice, of dealing with corrupt governments. His way was based on two basic principles: 1. That God destroys rulers and governments that display injustice against the poor and lowly (Psalm 37, 82). 2. God will place in political power those who show themselves to be lowly and righteous before him (I Samuel 2:7-9; Matthew 5:3-12). Jesus summarizes it like this: Those who exalt themselves will be cast down, while those who lower themselves will be raised up (Luke 14:11). Jesus provided an example of enacting God’s justice through becoming lowly against the world’s injustice—through the cross.
Although Jesus’ example is the greatest, he also invited all of those who followed him to participate in the same upside-down justice. The way of the cross is open to all who wish to follow Jesus. But how does one cause the governments of the world to topple by sacrificing oneself?
Making oneself odious to the ruling class
Jesus made himself unacceptable to those who ruled by doing God’s will publicly, thus displaying the government to be unjust and oppressive. He healed those who were rejected by “acceptable” society—proving that they were accepted by God. He opposed some of the laws and rules placed upon the populace by political wannabes that were unmerciful to the hungry and needy (Mark 7:1-9; Matthew 12:1-13). Jesus also proclaimed that the government of the people of God was soon to pass away, and be replaced by God’s direct rule (Mark 12:1-9). Then Jesus made vague references to the destruction of the temple, the center of the government’s power (John 2:19). All of this together, made Jesus dangerous in the eyes of the government and to the ruling class in general.
Jesus also established his disciples to be people who would be on the government’s “most wanted” list. He told his disciples to go out to every town, declaring that the current government would be replaced by God’s righteous one (Luke 9:2). He taught them to accept those whom the government found unacceptable (Mark 2:17). And he laid out in detail the faults and injustices of the ruling class (Mark 7:1-9; Matthew 23). Jesus sent out his disciples prepared to be rejected by the world.
Response to Persecution
Jesus was hated by all the ruling political parties—Sadducees, priests, Pharisees and the intellegencia of the ruling governments—scribes and lawyers. They spoke publicly against him, attempted to make him look bad in the midst of those who he was teaching and made plots to kill him (Matthew 12:14, 24, 38). He was eventually arrested, tried, tortured, and killed for treason (Mark 14-15). But he knew ahead of time that all of this would happen, and he planned for it, even desired it (Mark 8:31-33; 9:31-32). And when it happened, he did not resist, but allowed the plot against him to unfold just as planned by his enemies.
Even so, Jesus promised his people that they would be hated and persecuted and killed, even as he was (Matthew 10:24-25; John 15:18-20). In the midst of this, he told them, respond as he responded. Don’t be afraid of the persecution or those who can torture you, but rather accept the fact that you will have to possibly die for the message of Jesus (Matthew 10:28; Mark 8:35-38). He told them not to fight against those who punish them unjustly, but to respond to them with good—blessings and prayers (Matthew 5:38-48). If persecuted in a town, the disciples may flee, but there will come a time when each of them will be killed for the message they carry (Matthew 10:23; Mark 10:39). In this way, the disciples remain innocent, and all evil done is on the side of the oppressor.
God’s response
Jesus cried out to God for deliverance from the oppression he was facing (Mark 14:32-39). He was willing to face the death and shame, but he saw it for the evil it was. But rather than taking action himself in vengeance for the crimes done against him, an innocent man, he relied on God, and God’s justice enacted by God’s hand alone (Matthew 26:52-53). And God came through—even though Jesus had to face shame, suffering and a horrendous death, after he was done with all that, God raised Jesus from the dead. This indicated not only Jesus’ innocence, but his authority over those who had oppressed him.
Even so, Jesus told his followers that if they suffer as he suffered, then they too would gain not only resurrection, but political authority over those who had oppressed them (Luke 6:20-26; Mark 8:35; Luke 22:28-30). But for the disciples to gain this justice, they have to cry out to God day and night, asking him for release from oppression (Luke 18:1-8). In this way, the foundation is laid and God is free to respond in his own way against true oppressors of the poor and lowly.
Successful politics
The way of the cross seems naïve and foolish to almost everyone involved in politics, whether Christian or not. But it must be remembered that some of the most successful politicians in the twentieth century accepted this same pattern of political thought—Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. and Stephen Beko. These followed the pattern of Jesus, and took him as their political guide. The only difference between Jesus and these politicians is that they were looking for deliverance from the world they lived in—their own people, their own governments. Jesus, on the other hand, looked for deliverance only from God—and because of this, he proved to be the most successful politician of all time.
Oppressors shall be cast down by God;
God will exalt those who sacrifice themselves for His sake.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Cruciform Christian Leadership
Most people think of Christian leaders as a pastor, priest or teacher. However, a Christian leader is anyone who claims to follow Jesus and lead or guide others. There are leaders in politics or in corporations who claim to be Christian. A Christian leader could be in the military, in the police, in a school system, or could be managers, owners, employers, parents—anyone in a leadership position who claims to be following Jesus. Jesus has a call to all leaders as to how they should act with their authority.
The way of the world is that those who have authority do it ultimately for their own benefit. The way of Christian leadership, according to Jesus, is the way of the cross—facing struggles and trials for the sake of others.
Christian leadership models complete devotion to God.
Do not lord it over those allotted to your charge, but prove to be examples to the flock. I Peter 5:3
The Christian leader, no matter what context they are in—secular, governmental or religious—at all times displays their total dedication to God and his ways. The Christian leader does not look to the philosophies of the world to tell one how to be a leader, but looks to Jesus as his role model. In opposition to this way, many leadership models, the leader commands and gains respect through forcing others to do his will. The Christian leader provides an example of what we are to do in God and welcomes others to follow his example. The Christian leader forces no one, but grants an opportunity to be like Jesus.
Christian leadership is serving others
“Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant.” Mark 10:43
To “minister” literally means to follow Jesus’ command to “serve” or be a slave to others (Mark 10:43-44). For this reason, some of the most important leaders in the early church were called “servants”—not because it was a good title, but because serving is what they did. Jesus called leaders of his church, not to be power-hungry, nor to be cared for by those they lead, nor to make sure that their base of leadership was secure. Jesus called leaders to be like him—to sacrifice themselves for the sake of their people (Mark 10:45; John 13:).
Christian leadership is acting for everyone’s benefit, without exclusion.
“Do good to everyone.” Galatians 6:10
A Christian leader doesn’t exclude someone because they are irritating, or “outside our circle.” A Christian leader doesn’t even withhold love because someone caused the leader harm. No matter what a person has done or who they are, the Christian leader seeks to do what is best for everyone, in as much as they can.
Christian leadership never causes destruction to another, no matter what the circumstances.
Do not overcome evil with evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21
A Christian leader never acts with the intent to simply “punish” another. No matter how evilly someone acts, the Christian leader always responds with the intent of acting for the other’s benefit, not to destroy them. This means that the leader who follows Jesus would never cause another to be wounded, killed or beat up because they or their ministry was harmed. Other types of harm would also be avoided, such as causing someone to lose their housing or food. The way of the cross is to change others by continuing to sacrifice for them, not to cause continuing harm to them. Even if someone is gently punished, it is not for the sake of punishment itself, but so that a person might be restored to life in Jesus (Galatians 6:1; II Cor. 7:8-10).
Christian leadership convinces others to be wholly devoted to God through Jesus.
Make disciples of all people. Matthew 28:19
The goal of Christian leadership, no matter what context they are in, is to provide an opportunity for others to be devoted to God through Jesus. Sometimes the leader will speak of Jesus, while sometimes the leader shows through their Jesus-like action what life is true. But no matter what, leading others to be disciples of Jesus is the hope of all Christian leaders.
Christian leadership is sacrificial.
No one shall obtain the kingdom of God except through tribulation. Acts 14:21
Most people, when they seek leadership, want to reach it by the easiest route possible, making as little sacrifices as possible. For Christian leaders, they know that Jesus promised that if they want to gain God’s leadership, they will only gain it through the most difficult trials, even as Jesus did. The one who wants to obtain Christian leadership recognizes the hardship involved, and accepts it freely. A Christian leader accepts the rejection of others, the loss of comfort, little or no salary, a lack of permanent dwelling, and sometimes even punishments and beatings.
Christian leadership is lowliness.
“Whoever humbles themselves will be raised.” Luke 14:11
Christian leadership is not a straight path of going up and up the ladder of success. Rather, Christian leadership begins with lowliness and service for other’s sake alone. God raises up not those who work for themselves and their own exaltation, but those who are completely devoted to Him and to his way of love. Christian leaders do not seek to gain the leadership themselves, but they wait for God’s authority given to them. This means that the leader first spends time in serving others with a heart of compassion and joy for them, gaining nothing for him or herself until it is God’s time to raise them up.
Christian leadership depends on God to call and exalt them.
Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time. I Peter 5:6
Those of the world exalt themselves in order to become leaders, to be able to control others. The way of the cross is to seek leadership by God’s authority and command alone. Christian leadership is not going through the hoops and seeking to have an institution or human authority put you in a place of authority. Rather, it is remaining lowly and serving others, allowing God to raise you up in his own time. This may happen through the church, but it is based on your devotion and love of others, not on your education, training or knowledge.
Christian leadership is difficult.
“For the Son of man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
Christian leadership is hard. It is hard to love the one who hates you. It is hard to act lovingly toward one who is rebellious against you. It is hard to set aside your plans and desires for someone who has insulted you. But this is the way of Jesus. Jesus gave his whole life and self so that the enemies of God might gain God’s salvation. Even so a Christian leader must be ready to sacrifice him or herself. And the hardest thing to do, sometimes, is to endure in love and not to give up. But Jesus said, “The one who endures to the end will be saved.” Even so, we must not give up but keep giving, keep loving, keep hoping that people will turn around and devote themselves to God.
The way of the world is that those who have authority do it ultimately for their own benefit. The way of Christian leadership, according to Jesus, is the way of the cross—facing struggles and trials for the sake of others.
Christian leadership models complete devotion to God.
Do not lord it over those allotted to your charge, but prove to be examples to the flock. I Peter 5:3
The Christian leader, no matter what context they are in—secular, governmental or religious—at all times displays their total dedication to God and his ways. The Christian leader does not look to the philosophies of the world to tell one how to be a leader, but looks to Jesus as his role model. In opposition to this way, many leadership models, the leader commands and gains respect through forcing others to do his will. The Christian leader provides an example of what we are to do in God and welcomes others to follow his example. The Christian leader forces no one, but grants an opportunity to be like Jesus.
Christian leadership is serving others
“Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant.” Mark 10:43
To “minister” literally means to follow Jesus’ command to “serve” or be a slave to others (Mark 10:43-44). For this reason, some of the most important leaders in the early church were called “servants”—not because it was a good title, but because serving is what they did. Jesus called leaders of his church, not to be power-hungry, nor to be cared for by those they lead, nor to make sure that their base of leadership was secure. Jesus called leaders to be like him—to sacrifice themselves for the sake of their people (Mark 10:45; John 13:).
Christian leadership is acting for everyone’s benefit, without exclusion.
“Do good to everyone.” Galatians 6:10
A Christian leader doesn’t exclude someone because they are irritating, or “outside our circle.” A Christian leader doesn’t even withhold love because someone caused the leader harm. No matter what a person has done or who they are, the Christian leader seeks to do what is best for everyone, in as much as they can.
Christian leadership never causes destruction to another, no matter what the circumstances.
Do not overcome evil with evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21
A Christian leader never acts with the intent to simply “punish” another. No matter how evilly someone acts, the Christian leader always responds with the intent of acting for the other’s benefit, not to destroy them. This means that the leader who follows Jesus would never cause another to be wounded, killed or beat up because they or their ministry was harmed. Other types of harm would also be avoided, such as causing someone to lose their housing or food. The way of the cross is to change others by continuing to sacrifice for them, not to cause continuing harm to them. Even if someone is gently punished, it is not for the sake of punishment itself, but so that a person might be restored to life in Jesus (Galatians 6:1; II Cor. 7:8-10).
Christian leadership convinces others to be wholly devoted to God through Jesus.
Make disciples of all people. Matthew 28:19
The goal of Christian leadership, no matter what context they are in, is to provide an opportunity for others to be devoted to God through Jesus. Sometimes the leader will speak of Jesus, while sometimes the leader shows through their Jesus-like action what life is true. But no matter what, leading others to be disciples of Jesus is the hope of all Christian leaders.
Christian leadership is sacrificial.
No one shall obtain the kingdom of God except through tribulation. Acts 14:21
Most people, when they seek leadership, want to reach it by the easiest route possible, making as little sacrifices as possible. For Christian leaders, they know that Jesus promised that if they want to gain God’s leadership, they will only gain it through the most difficult trials, even as Jesus did. The one who wants to obtain Christian leadership recognizes the hardship involved, and accepts it freely. A Christian leader accepts the rejection of others, the loss of comfort, little or no salary, a lack of permanent dwelling, and sometimes even punishments and beatings.
Christian leadership is lowliness.
“Whoever humbles themselves will be raised.” Luke 14:11
Christian leadership is not a straight path of going up and up the ladder of success. Rather, Christian leadership begins with lowliness and service for other’s sake alone. God raises up not those who work for themselves and their own exaltation, but those who are completely devoted to Him and to his way of love. Christian leaders do not seek to gain the leadership themselves, but they wait for God’s authority given to them. This means that the leader first spends time in serving others with a heart of compassion and joy for them, gaining nothing for him or herself until it is God’s time to raise them up.
Christian leadership depends on God to call and exalt them.
Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time. I Peter 5:6
Those of the world exalt themselves in order to become leaders, to be able to control others. The way of the cross is to seek leadership by God’s authority and command alone. Christian leadership is not going through the hoops and seeking to have an institution or human authority put you in a place of authority. Rather, it is remaining lowly and serving others, allowing God to raise you up in his own time. This may happen through the church, but it is based on your devotion and love of others, not on your education, training or knowledge.
Christian leadership is difficult.
“For the Son of man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
Christian leadership is hard. It is hard to love the one who hates you. It is hard to act lovingly toward one who is rebellious against you. It is hard to set aside your plans and desires for someone who has insulted you. But this is the way of Jesus. Jesus gave his whole life and self so that the enemies of God might gain God’s salvation. Even so a Christian leader must be ready to sacrifice him or herself. And the hardest thing to do, sometimes, is to endure in love and not to give up. But Jesus said, “The one who endures to the end will be saved.” Even so, we must not give up but keep giving, keep loving, keep hoping that people will turn around and devote themselves to God.
The Inner Cross
Remaining with God is a struggle. We can begin with Jesus, excited to have the salvation he offers and ready to be guided by his will. But when we really begin living with Jesus, it can seem difficult. There is so much we do not know, and God seems to bring up our fears and angers and desires to us at all times and tells us to ignore or avoid them. At times the suffering in our lives seems so overwhelming that God could not possibly overcome it all.
Why do we suffer?
But the suffering or the struggle —whether from our sin or from outward circumstance—we face in life isn’t a puzzle to God. Nor is it something that he wants to instantly overcome. In some situations, God delivers us completely from our sins or difficulties. He does this to show his power and mercy. But many situations, perhaps most, God allows us to fight and struggle and endure through pain. Why is this? Because God uses suffering as a tool to mold us and shape us for his use.
First of all, how we respond to our suffering gives us an opportunity to prove our faith. Our faith isn’t tested and proven except in the context of suffering. What we really believe and who we really are isn’t shown in times of comfort and ease—they are shown in times of trial and difficulty and unmet desires. If we remain faithful to God through difficult circumstances, then our faith is proven and we will be welcomed into the kingdom of God (Matthew 5:11-12; Hebrews 5:8; Romans 8:17).
Secondly, our suffering is one of the keys to overcoming sin in our lives. God allows us to suffer and struggle to strengthen our resolve to obey him, even when it is difficult. As God delivers us from some of the suffering we endure, we find that we are strengthened to obey him in all our lives (I Peter 4:1; Romans5:1-5; 8:13).
Thirdly, if we show that we are faithful in our suffering, then we will gain the kingdom of God. If we do not have suffering, then we will not gain God’s kingdom (Acts 14:22). It is only by being faithful—enduring through suffering— that we have any assurance of our salvation, even as Jesus’ resurrection through his suffering shows that his path is the way of salvation for us (Romans 8:17; Mark 13:13; Hebrews 12:2-4).
The Way of the Cross
Even if suffering has good effects for us, that does not mean that it is easy. It does not mean that we are able to endure. Often we cannot endure—we fight, we struggle, we try our best to remain in God despite our desires, despite those who oppose us, despite all the various things that try to tear us away from God, but we fail. What do we do? Jesus’ answer is to take up the way of the cross. Jesus’ cross was effective for our salvation, and the cross is effective in effecting political change. But the cross is also the effective path to enduring through suffering. Some of the aspects of it are:
Be committed to remaining in God, recognizing that obedience is a big part of it.
The core of surviving our suffering and overcoming everything that is attempting to tear us apart from God is a firm commitment to God. We need to be unswerving in our commitment to God, recognizing that he is our Lord and that there is no other in our lives. We give our life, our love, our trust to God alone. Along with this is our obedience. We remain committed to doing what God has told us to do, no matter what the consequences—even if our suffering increases. (Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 10:36-39)
See the destruction disobedience causes.
We need to open our eyes to see what disobedience to God causes. This disobedience is fundamentally rebellion against God and so we will be separated from God, from Jesus, from any power of the Spirit. The disobedient and unfaithful will be under the control of death and heading to hell. But we also have to see that our disobedience to God destroys our relationships with others as well. To disobey God is also to cause destruction to those whom we love, and eventually cause them to hate us. (Romans 1:32; Matthew 7:21-27; I John 3:10-15)
Don’t rely on other powers, only God
To help us escape suffering, there are many powers and authorities that claim to be able to help us. Drugs (both legal and illegal), alcohol, sex, money, various religions, occultism, and thousands of consumer goods all claim to ease your suffering and make your life better—and that quickly. What we need to realize is that God wants us to depend on him. He is the only one who can grant us help through every difficulty and the only one who can help us be who we need to be through the struggle we are having. We need to be confident that God loves us and will do what is best for us—even if we want release from pain and he says “no.” We need to be confident in God’s strength—that he can do whatever he wants and he will use his whole power for our best interests (Luke 1:37; Matthew 6:24)
Recognize our weakness, the weakness of the flesh.
Despite our confidence and trust in God, we are weak. We don’t always have the steadfastness we need in God. We want to be right with God, but sometimes we don’t care. We want to love those around us, but sometimes, we really don’t. We want to do what is right, at all times, but sometimes we are just tired and will do whatever comes into our mind. We have to recognize that when we feel strong, our weakness is right around the corner. And sometimes, when we least expect it, we will fail. It is important to remember that God is our strength, but we are weak and so often we are faithless, no matter what we try. (Mark 14:38)
Repent when we sin
Recognizing that we will fail sometimes, Jesus told us what to do. He recognizes our weaknesses and has offered a plan for when we give into weakness—when we are disobedient, or when we rely on something else to take us out of our suffering, then we can still return to God. To return to Him, God wants us to do three things—we need to admit our sin to Him and to another brother or sister whom we trust; we need to do everything we can to stop from doing it again; and we need to make it right with those whom we’ve hurt because of our sin. (Luke 17:3; I John 1:19; Mark 9:43-48; Matthew 5:23-24)
When faced with temptation, fight against the Enemy.
We need to remember that the one who wants us to die at the hand of God is Satan. He is the one who wants us to fail and to be destroyed. Therefore we must do everything we can to fight him. We must battle him with all we have, with every authority we have received. Jesus gave us authority over the evil spirits that want to destroy us, and we need to take advantage of that and verbally assault them. We need to command them to go and they must go. That doesn’t mean they won’t come back to attack us again later, but we don’t need to live under their control—Jesus died to set us free from them. (I Peter 5:8-9; Matthew 4:1-11).
When faced with temptation, rely on God
When tempted to give up, rely on God. He will strengthen you. He will never be faithful, but offer you an opportunity to escape from having to rebel against him. Pray to him and he will give you opportunity to be strong. Contact others in Jesus and ask them for prayer and counsel. (I Corinthians 10:13; 15:58).
Just don’t do it.
When tempted to give into your desire against God, the most important thing is to just not do it. We may not have control over what happens to us, but we do have control over what we don’t do. We don’t have to sin. We don’t have to give up on God’s strength. We don’t have to rely on evil to do God’s job. We can depend on God alone—even if we suffer for it in the meantime. God will make sure that we are not destroyed, and that if we endure, we will live in him forever.
Be steadfast, immovable, knowing that our toil for the Lord is not useless. I Corinthians 15:58
Why do we suffer?
But the suffering or the struggle —whether from our sin or from outward circumstance—we face in life isn’t a puzzle to God. Nor is it something that he wants to instantly overcome. In some situations, God delivers us completely from our sins or difficulties. He does this to show his power and mercy. But many situations, perhaps most, God allows us to fight and struggle and endure through pain. Why is this? Because God uses suffering as a tool to mold us and shape us for his use.
First of all, how we respond to our suffering gives us an opportunity to prove our faith. Our faith isn’t tested and proven except in the context of suffering. What we really believe and who we really are isn’t shown in times of comfort and ease—they are shown in times of trial and difficulty and unmet desires. If we remain faithful to God through difficult circumstances, then our faith is proven and we will be welcomed into the kingdom of God (Matthew 5:11-12; Hebrews 5:8; Romans 8:17).
Secondly, our suffering is one of the keys to overcoming sin in our lives. God allows us to suffer and struggle to strengthen our resolve to obey him, even when it is difficult. As God delivers us from some of the suffering we endure, we find that we are strengthened to obey him in all our lives (I Peter 4:1; Romans5:1-5; 8:13).
Thirdly, if we show that we are faithful in our suffering, then we will gain the kingdom of God. If we do not have suffering, then we will not gain God’s kingdom (Acts 14:22). It is only by being faithful—enduring through suffering— that we have any assurance of our salvation, even as Jesus’ resurrection through his suffering shows that his path is the way of salvation for us (Romans 8:17; Mark 13:13; Hebrews 12:2-4).
The Way of the Cross
Even if suffering has good effects for us, that does not mean that it is easy. It does not mean that we are able to endure. Often we cannot endure—we fight, we struggle, we try our best to remain in God despite our desires, despite those who oppose us, despite all the various things that try to tear us away from God, but we fail. What do we do? Jesus’ answer is to take up the way of the cross. Jesus’ cross was effective for our salvation, and the cross is effective in effecting political change. But the cross is also the effective path to enduring through suffering. Some of the aspects of it are:
Be committed to remaining in God, recognizing that obedience is a big part of it.
The core of surviving our suffering and overcoming everything that is attempting to tear us apart from God is a firm commitment to God. We need to be unswerving in our commitment to God, recognizing that he is our Lord and that there is no other in our lives. We give our life, our love, our trust to God alone. Along with this is our obedience. We remain committed to doing what God has told us to do, no matter what the consequences—even if our suffering increases. (Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 10:36-39)
See the destruction disobedience causes.
We need to open our eyes to see what disobedience to God causes. This disobedience is fundamentally rebellion against God and so we will be separated from God, from Jesus, from any power of the Spirit. The disobedient and unfaithful will be under the control of death and heading to hell. But we also have to see that our disobedience to God destroys our relationships with others as well. To disobey God is also to cause destruction to those whom we love, and eventually cause them to hate us. (Romans 1:32; Matthew 7:21-27; I John 3:10-15)
Don’t rely on other powers, only God
To help us escape suffering, there are many powers and authorities that claim to be able to help us. Drugs (both legal and illegal), alcohol, sex, money, various religions, occultism, and thousands of consumer goods all claim to ease your suffering and make your life better—and that quickly. What we need to realize is that God wants us to depend on him. He is the only one who can grant us help through every difficulty and the only one who can help us be who we need to be through the struggle we are having. We need to be confident that God loves us and will do what is best for us—even if we want release from pain and he says “no.” We need to be confident in God’s strength—that he can do whatever he wants and he will use his whole power for our best interests (Luke 1:37; Matthew 6:24)
Recognize our weakness, the weakness of the flesh.
Despite our confidence and trust in God, we are weak. We don’t always have the steadfastness we need in God. We want to be right with God, but sometimes we don’t care. We want to love those around us, but sometimes, we really don’t. We want to do what is right, at all times, but sometimes we are just tired and will do whatever comes into our mind. We have to recognize that when we feel strong, our weakness is right around the corner. And sometimes, when we least expect it, we will fail. It is important to remember that God is our strength, but we are weak and so often we are faithless, no matter what we try. (Mark 14:38)
Repent when we sin
Recognizing that we will fail sometimes, Jesus told us what to do. He recognizes our weaknesses and has offered a plan for when we give into weakness—when we are disobedient, or when we rely on something else to take us out of our suffering, then we can still return to God. To return to Him, God wants us to do three things—we need to admit our sin to Him and to another brother or sister whom we trust; we need to do everything we can to stop from doing it again; and we need to make it right with those whom we’ve hurt because of our sin. (Luke 17:3; I John 1:19; Mark 9:43-48; Matthew 5:23-24)
When faced with temptation, fight against the Enemy.
We need to remember that the one who wants us to die at the hand of God is Satan. He is the one who wants us to fail and to be destroyed. Therefore we must do everything we can to fight him. We must battle him with all we have, with every authority we have received. Jesus gave us authority over the evil spirits that want to destroy us, and we need to take advantage of that and verbally assault them. We need to command them to go and they must go. That doesn’t mean they won’t come back to attack us again later, but we don’t need to live under their control—Jesus died to set us free from them. (I Peter 5:8-9; Matthew 4:1-11).
When faced with temptation, rely on God
When tempted to give up, rely on God. He will strengthen you. He will never be faithful, but offer you an opportunity to escape from having to rebel against him. Pray to him and he will give you opportunity to be strong. Contact others in Jesus and ask them for prayer and counsel. (I Corinthians 10:13; 15:58).
Just don’t do it.
When tempted to give into your desire against God, the most important thing is to just not do it. We may not have control over what happens to us, but we do have control over what we don’t do. We don’t have to sin. We don’t have to give up on God’s strength. We don’t have to rely on evil to do God’s job. We can depend on God alone—even if we suffer for it in the meantime. God will make sure that we are not destroyed, and that if we endure, we will live in him forever.
Be steadfast, immovable, knowing that our toil for the Lord is not useless. I Corinthians 15:58
What Is The Cross?
To the ancient world, the cross meant one thing: crucifixion. It was a painful torture of hanging exposed before everyone, fighting for every breath, and every breath in pain. Finally, once one had to rest from the pain, he could no longer breathe. But this was not the worst of it. Everyone who was crucified was shamefully exposed before all people—openly accused, hung on a tree, naked, mocked, and shown to be the insignificant bug that he really is.
Romans kept this terrible, shameful torture reserved only for foreigners who openly opposed Rome—even Roman citizens who were traitors were beheaded. To bear a cross meant only one thing—perpetual rejection, oppression and hatred from everyone they saw. It is taking on a world of mockery and pain how long one could bear it before they gave up and died.
Jesus saw the cross during his life and he trembled—he loathed it. He called it “the cup” and he wanted nothing else but to be rid of it. At the same time, he knew that it was the secret for both him and his disciples to gain the greatest joy.
The Secret Mechanism of the Universe
Jesus knew a secret that few knew, and those that did know did not want to admit it even to themselves. Jesus revealed it to his followers in many different sayings—“Whoever lowers himself will be exalted, but whoever exalts himself will be lowered.” “Whoever loves his life will lose it, but he who hates his life in this world will gain it for life eternal” “As long as a grain lives, it is alone. But if that grain falls into the earth and dies, then it will bear much fruit.” “Blessed are you when men hate you and ostracize you and insult you and scorn your name as evil. Rejoice in that day, for great is your reward in heaven.”
The secret was this: Those who are rejected and shamed and oppressed for God’s sake, God will reward himself. They do not have to gain the limited reward of men, rather, they will gain the greatest amount that the universe has to give—peace, and joy and immortality.
The Death of Jesus
And so Jesus died the terrible death—the death of the cross. It wasn’t just something imposed on him. He could have denied it. But he chose it for the greater reward. And the reward he gained was this: chosen by God to be the king of the earth, and all authority was given to him. And he was resurrected from the dead to show that he had gained this authority. He is the only one in all the world resurrected in this way, only because he was the first to sacrifice every honor he deserved—even his own life—to face the greatest dishonor. Because of his sacrifice, he began the Peace of God and he opened the way for everyone to enter it—everyone who follows him.
How do we carry the cross?
And we can gain the promise of God as well—if we do what Jesus said. And Jesus gives us all this call, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me.” So the first thing we are to do is to commit ourselves to following Jesus. Even if it means mockery or rejection by our family and friends. We need to be ready to surrender all to come to Jesus.
Then we need to deny ourselves. Our desires are treacherous and want us to do every right thing in every wrong way. We want to live for ourselves, but Jesus calls us to live for God and to obey Him in all things. This means that we have to reject ourselves and our desires for the sake of Jesus. This is the inner cross.
Then we need to humbly serve others. We need to do for others what no one else would do. We must see their needs and sacrifice ourselves to grant them their needs. We must feed the hungry, even if we ourselves go hungry sometimes. We must give honor to others, even if we are dishonored sometimes. We must tell people the truth of Jesus with gentleness and care, even if we are called liars.
Then finally, as if all this was preparation, we will be rejected by oppressors. The oppressors will come and take away what we have, and reject us and mock us and punish us. We will not deserve it, but we will receive their punishment meekly—doing only good to them in return.
What is our reward?
If we endure the cross, even as Jesus did, we can be assured that we will receive the reward that Jesus did. Because Jesus endured the cross, he was resurrected from the dead. Even so, we will be resurrected if we endure. Because Jesus suffered at the hands of evil oppressors, they were stripped of their authority and punished. Even so, if we suffer for righteousness, those who oppress us will also be stripped of authority and punished. Because Jesus was made the lowest of the low, when he deserved authority, God granted him authority over all those who were his enemies. Even so, we will be granted authority if we allow ourselves to be made low. Because Jesus was given only death, when he deserved peace, God granted Jesus peace above all. Even so, if we endure the stress and rejections of this life for Jesus, we will gain life and joy and peace—forever without end.
The Lord’s Supper
We need to commit ourselves to Jesus—devote ourselves exclusively to him and trust in him for all we need. We need to honor Jesus death and acknowledge that Jesus is risen to the right hand of God. And we need to devote ourselves to carrying the cross as well. Our commitment can begin as we take the bread and the cup of the Lord’s supper. The Lord’s supper symbolizes the sacrifice that Jesus made—and by taking it, we accept that same pattern in our lives. When we take the bread, we memorialize Jesus’ broken body, and we accept that our flesh needs to be broken for him. When we take the cup, we memorialize Jesus’ blood shed for the forgiveness of our sins, and we accept that our lives are to be laid down for others as well. (John 6:53-57)
Being a Christian means taking up the Cross
Romans kept this terrible, shameful torture reserved only for foreigners who openly opposed Rome—even Roman citizens who were traitors were beheaded. To bear a cross meant only one thing—perpetual rejection, oppression and hatred from everyone they saw. It is taking on a world of mockery and pain how long one could bear it before they gave up and died.
Jesus saw the cross during his life and he trembled—he loathed it. He called it “the cup” and he wanted nothing else but to be rid of it. At the same time, he knew that it was the secret for both him and his disciples to gain the greatest joy.
The Secret Mechanism of the Universe
Jesus knew a secret that few knew, and those that did know did not want to admit it even to themselves. Jesus revealed it to his followers in many different sayings—“Whoever lowers himself will be exalted, but whoever exalts himself will be lowered.” “Whoever loves his life will lose it, but he who hates his life in this world will gain it for life eternal” “As long as a grain lives, it is alone. But if that grain falls into the earth and dies, then it will bear much fruit.” “Blessed are you when men hate you and ostracize you and insult you and scorn your name as evil. Rejoice in that day, for great is your reward in heaven.”
The secret was this: Those who are rejected and shamed and oppressed for God’s sake, God will reward himself. They do not have to gain the limited reward of men, rather, they will gain the greatest amount that the universe has to give—peace, and joy and immortality.
The Death of Jesus
And so Jesus died the terrible death—the death of the cross. It wasn’t just something imposed on him. He could have denied it. But he chose it for the greater reward. And the reward he gained was this: chosen by God to be the king of the earth, and all authority was given to him. And he was resurrected from the dead to show that he had gained this authority. He is the only one in all the world resurrected in this way, only because he was the first to sacrifice every honor he deserved—even his own life—to face the greatest dishonor. Because of his sacrifice, he began the Peace of God and he opened the way for everyone to enter it—everyone who follows him.
How do we carry the cross?
And we can gain the promise of God as well—if we do what Jesus said. And Jesus gives us all this call, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me.” So the first thing we are to do is to commit ourselves to following Jesus. Even if it means mockery or rejection by our family and friends. We need to be ready to surrender all to come to Jesus.
Then we need to deny ourselves. Our desires are treacherous and want us to do every right thing in every wrong way. We want to live for ourselves, but Jesus calls us to live for God and to obey Him in all things. This means that we have to reject ourselves and our desires for the sake of Jesus. This is the inner cross.
Then we need to humbly serve others. We need to do for others what no one else would do. We must see their needs and sacrifice ourselves to grant them their needs. We must feed the hungry, even if we ourselves go hungry sometimes. We must give honor to others, even if we are dishonored sometimes. We must tell people the truth of Jesus with gentleness and care, even if we are called liars.
Then finally, as if all this was preparation, we will be rejected by oppressors. The oppressors will come and take away what we have, and reject us and mock us and punish us. We will not deserve it, but we will receive their punishment meekly—doing only good to them in return.
What is our reward?
If we endure the cross, even as Jesus did, we can be assured that we will receive the reward that Jesus did. Because Jesus endured the cross, he was resurrected from the dead. Even so, we will be resurrected if we endure. Because Jesus suffered at the hands of evil oppressors, they were stripped of their authority and punished. Even so, if we suffer for righteousness, those who oppress us will also be stripped of authority and punished. Because Jesus was made the lowest of the low, when he deserved authority, God granted him authority over all those who were his enemies. Even so, we will be granted authority if we allow ourselves to be made low. Because Jesus was given only death, when he deserved peace, God granted Jesus peace above all. Even so, if we endure the stress and rejections of this life for Jesus, we will gain life and joy and peace—forever without end.
The Lord’s Supper
We need to commit ourselves to Jesus—devote ourselves exclusively to him and trust in him for all we need. We need to honor Jesus death and acknowledge that Jesus is risen to the right hand of God. And we need to devote ourselves to carrying the cross as well. Our commitment can begin as we take the bread and the cup of the Lord’s supper. The Lord’s supper symbolizes the sacrifice that Jesus made—and by taking it, we accept that same pattern in our lives. When we take the bread, we memorialize Jesus’ broken body, and we accept that our flesh needs to be broken for him. When we take the cup, we memorialize Jesus’ blood shed for the forgiveness of our sins, and we accept that our lives are to be laid down for others as well. (John 6:53-57)
Being a Christian means taking up the Cross
The Results of the Cross
“Jesus endured the cross, disregarding the shame for the joy set before him.” (Hebrews 12:2) But what joy is there is taking up a cross, being mocked and beaten, and then suffocating to death? What joy is there in being rejected by one’s rulers and condemned to die by a Roman governor? What joy can there be in suffering, in being executed as an innocent? The good part of the cross is not what Jesus had to endure, but the great parts that come later.
Jesus said, “Whoever lowers himself will be raised.” (Luke 14:11). This was true of Jesus, who lowered himself to a death on a cross, and then gained resurrection and so much more. It is also true of us! If we lower ourselves to the faithfulness that Jesus himself displayed, then we receive the same benefits that Jesus himself received. “The promise by the faith of Jesus Christ will be given to those who are faithful.” (Galatians 3:22)
But what promise, what benefits? What are the wages the worker of the cross receives? There are seven major benefits:
1. Being accepted by God
The people of God are in exile. They are thrown out of God’s kingdom because of their rebellion against Him. While this was not true of Jesus—Jesus was always accepted by God and he had no sins to be forgiven—yet he still had to prove his obedience. Because of his obedience under trial, he was able to demonstrate his faithfulness to God, thus allowing him to be welcome in God’s court in heaven. (Hebrews 5:8-9). Even so, if we display the faithfulness that Jesus showed, then we too are able to be forgiven of our rebellion, enter God’s court, make requests of him and to listen to Him (Acts 26:18; John 15:7).
2. Overcoming powers
When Jesus accepted the way of the cross, he was dead to himself and his own desires—his desires no longer had control over him (Mark 14:36, 38). After he died at the hand of the rulers of God’s people, neither they, nor the Romans had control over him. Because one who had died can no longer be controlled by anyone (Romans 7:1-2). Even so, if we accept the cross, our desires no longer have control over us (I Peter 4:1-2). If we die in Jesus, all the powers of heaven and earth that try to control us no longer have control, because we are under Jesus’ authority alone. No other authority determines our destiny—even if they punish us, we are under Jesus and gain Jesus’ reward (Romans 8:35-39).
3. Resurrection
On the third day after Jesus was executed, he was raised from the dead by the power of God (Luke 24:6-7). Jesus knew that this would happen, for it was promised that the one who lowered himself for God’s purposes would be raised (I Samuel 2:7-8). And if this promise is true for Jesus, it is true for everyone who has faith like Jesus (Romans 8:17). Anyone who is in Jesus will be raised from the dead (I Thessalonians 4:16-17).
4. Political Rule
Jesus not only was risen from the dead for his faithfulness, but he also was lifted up to heaven, above every power in heaven and earth, to sit beside the Father and to act as the greatest power over heaven under the Father (Acts 5:31;Hebrews 1:1-3). Even so, everyone who endures hardship and suffering for God will gain some measure of political power in God’s kingdom (Psalm 37:11; Matthew 5:5,9; 16:24-28). And those who lower themselves the most will gain the greatest amount of authority in the kingdom (Mark 10:43-44).
5. Release of the Spirit
Once Jesus was resurrected, he was able to display his power as the Authority of God by releasing the Spirit of God to all who displayed the faith of Jesus (Ephesians 4:8; Acts 2:33). The Spirit is the power of God to do God’s word and to accomplish the promises of God on earth—even healings and resurrections (John 14:26; Mark 16:17-18). The one who has lived in the faith of cross also has the power of the Spirit in their lives (Acts 2:38).
6. Acceptance for others
Because Jesus died on the cross, he was able to create the kingdom of God and he provided a place for those who have his faith (Romans 5:6-11). He died not only for himself, but for the benefit of others (Mark 10:45). Even so, our faith of the cross is not only for ourselves, but also provides a way for others to live in Christ. Through what we endure in faithfulness, we provide opportunities for others to enter into the kingdom of God (Colossians 1:24; II Corinthians 5:18-21).
7. The Peace of God
God has promised his people a land to live where there is justice with no war; satisfaction with no theft; contentment with no greed; relationship with God with no sin (Ezekiel 36:24-38). But these promises are only for those who live the faith of Jesus—only those who have taken up the cross in their own lives will gain God’s promises (Matthew 5:3-12).
Life in God is ours—but only if we take up the cross!
Jesus said, “Whoever lowers himself will be raised.” (Luke 14:11). This was true of Jesus, who lowered himself to a death on a cross, and then gained resurrection and so much more. It is also true of us! If we lower ourselves to the faithfulness that Jesus himself displayed, then we receive the same benefits that Jesus himself received. “The promise by the faith of Jesus Christ will be given to those who are faithful.” (Galatians 3:22)
But what promise, what benefits? What are the wages the worker of the cross receives? There are seven major benefits:
1. Being accepted by God
The people of God are in exile. They are thrown out of God’s kingdom because of their rebellion against Him. While this was not true of Jesus—Jesus was always accepted by God and he had no sins to be forgiven—yet he still had to prove his obedience. Because of his obedience under trial, he was able to demonstrate his faithfulness to God, thus allowing him to be welcome in God’s court in heaven. (Hebrews 5:8-9). Even so, if we display the faithfulness that Jesus showed, then we too are able to be forgiven of our rebellion, enter God’s court, make requests of him and to listen to Him (Acts 26:18; John 15:7).
2. Overcoming powers
When Jesus accepted the way of the cross, he was dead to himself and his own desires—his desires no longer had control over him (Mark 14:36, 38). After he died at the hand of the rulers of God’s people, neither they, nor the Romans had control over him. Because one who had died can no longer be controlled by anyone (Romans 7:1-2). Even so, if we accept the cross, our desires no longer have control over us (I Peter 4:1-2). If we die in Jesus, all the powers of heaven and earth that try to control us no longer have control, because we are under Jesus’ authority alone. No other authority determines our destiny—even if they punish us, we are under Jesus and gain Jesus’ reward (Romans 8:35-39).
3. Resurrection
On the third day after Jesus was executed, he was raised from the dead by the power of God (Luke 24:6-7). Jesus knew that this would happen, for it was promised that the one who lowered himself for God’s purposes would be raised (I Samuel 2:7-8). And if this promise is true for Jesus, it is true for everyone who has faith like Jesus (Romans 8:17). Anyone who is in Jesus will be raised from the dead (I Thessalonians 4:16-17).
4. Political Rule
Jesus not only was risen from the dead for his faithfulness, but he also was lifted up to heaven, above every power in heaven and earth, to sit beside the Father and to act as the greatest power over heaven under the Father (Acts 5:31;Hebrews 1:1-3). Even so, everyone who endures hardship and suffering for God will gain some measure of political power in God’s kingdom (Psalm 37:11; Matthew 5:5,9; 16:24-28). And those who lower themselves the most will gain the greatest amount of authority in the kingdom (Mark 10:43-44).
5. Release of the Spirit
Once Jesus was resurrected, he was able to display his power as the Authority of God by releasing the Spirit of God to all who displayed the faith of Jesus (Ephesians 4:8; Acts 2:33). The Spirit is the power of God to do God’s word and to accomplish the promises of God on earth—even healings and resurrections (John 14:26; Mark 16:17-18). The one who has lived in the faith of cross also has the power of the Spirit in their lives (Acts 2:38).
6. Acceptance for others
Because Jesus died on the cross, he was able to create the kingdom of God and he provided a place for those who have his faith (Romans 5:6-11). He died not only for himself, but for the benefit of others (Mark 10:45). Even so, our faith of the cross is not only for ourselves, but also provides a way for others to live in Christ. Through what we endure in faithfulness, we provide opportunities for others to enter into the kingdom of God (Colossians 1:24; II Corinthians 5:18-21).
7. The Peace of God
God has promised his people a land to live where there is justice with no war; satisfaction with no theft; contentment with no greed; relationship with God with no sin (Ezekiel 36:24-38). But these promises are only for those who live the faith of Jesus—only those who have taken up the cross in their own lives will gain God’s promises (Matthew 5:3-12).
Life in God is ours—but only if we take up the cross!
Why Did Jesus Die?
Is there any reason for good person to die untimely? Why should someone be sentenced to death when they were declared innocent? Why should one dedicated to doing good suddenly have their life cut short? And how can it be declared God’s will for such to happen?
And yet, this is exactly the scenario that the New Testament proposes. Jesus was a man who did good, who healed many and taught thousands to change from doing evil to doing good. He claimed as a basic principle never to harm another. But the authorities of Jerusalem branded him a rebel whose goal was to overturn their authority. And because of his rebellion, he was killed. And yet, all of this was, according to the New Testament, God’s plan and desire—the God of mercy and justice. How could this be?
We need to understand the underlying reasons for Jesus’ death—which from our perspective is insanity and injustice, but for the purposes of God it is right and good.
I. Historical Reasons for Jesus’ deathJesus died because he threatened the temple of God.
“Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:19) Jesus made this statement publicly, right after he cleansed the temple of the impurity of buying and selling. Jesus never said that he would destroy the temple himself, but he did declare it impure, and he said that it would be destroyed by God (Mark 11:11-20; Mark 13:1-2). But the temple was the center of Jewish religion in that day, and the leaders of Jerusalem needed it to remain that way. The temple was the center of the authority of the priesthood and the ruling Council of the Jews. If it was destroyed, then their power would be wiped away immediately. Jesus seemed to threaten the temple (Mark 14:55-58), and so, in the mind of the Jewish authorities of Jerusalem, he must be stopped (John 11:47-57).
Jesus died because he claimed to replace the government of God’s people.
Jesus entered into Jerusalem as a great ruler, which was questioned by the Jewish authorities of Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-9, 23-27). When they questioned him directly about his claims to authority, he agreed that he was the one whom God established as king over God’s people and that he would reign over the priesthood and the ruling Council. That a borderline heretic could rule over them was unacceptable to the Council and they made a final determination that he should die. (Mark 14:55-61).
Jesus died because justice was replaced by mob rule.
Because the Council was under the thumb of the Roman government, they had to ask permission to kill Jesus. They presented Jesus to the Roman governor of Jerusalem as a rebel wanting to replace Caesar as lord of the earth. Pilate questioned Jesus, and while Jesus declared himself to be king, it was clear that he was not king as Caesar was (John 18:29-38). Because he had done nothing rebellious, the governor declared him innocent. But the Jerusalemites listening to this trial demanded that Jesus be killed for sedition. Finally, Pilate was swayed by the crowds, and allowed Jesus to be killed. (Mark 15:12-15).
II. Jesus’ Own Reasons for Dying
Jesus died because he chose to.
But Jesus did not die simply because of the injustice of the Jewish and Roman governments. Jesus declared many times ahead of time that it was God’s plan for him to die at the hands of these governments (Matthew 20:18-19) and he accepted the will of God in this (Mark 14:36). He could have escaped at his arrest, but chose not to (Matthew 26:50-56). He could have phrased his answers to be more acceptable to the Council or to Pilate, but he was being deliberately unhelpful toward his release (John 19:9-10). Jesus was prepared for his death and he did what he could to make sure it happened, even though the final decision was Pilate’s.
Jesus died to make himself king over God’s people.
Why did Jesus make that choice? Why did he act in agreement with his own death? Because he saw his death as a means to an end. He determined that he needed to rule over God’s people. But to be a ruler under God, he couldn’t just be at the head of an army or gain the acclamation of the people. Rather, he had to be appointed by God. To do this, Jesus had to prove to be a perfectly righteous ruler, one who would do God’s will rather than act for his own benefit. Also, Jesus needed to be oppressed by the ruling governments, to prove that they were unworthy to rule. This would cause God himself to act, to put down the unrighteous who raise themselves to power and to raise up the righteous who lowered their own desires (Luke 14:11). In this way, Jesus allowed himself to die to allow God to act for his ambition to rule.
Jesus died to free people from oppressive rule.
But Jesus didn’t want to rule from his own ambition alone. Rather, he desired to rule, because he saw God’s people as being without decent leadership (Mark 6:34). Jesus saw the people as under Satan, needing deliverance from his rule of misery and death (Matthew 12:43-45). Jesus saw the teachers of God’s people as being too ready to judge, and unlearned in the ways of God’s mercy (Matthew 12:7). And Jesus saw the whole priesthood and temple system as impure and idolatrous (Mark 11:15-17). Jesus desired to sacrifice himself for the sake of all those who truly desired to worship and follow God, but had no way to do it (Mark 10:45).
III. What Jesus’ death shows us
Jesus died to display the way of faith.
Jesus knew that the one whom God was pleased with is the one who is so faithful to God that he is willing to sacrifice everything he is and everything he has for him (Luke 14:33). Jesus determined to be a man so wholly devoted to God that he would die. And he also said that anyone who would gain the life that God has to offer must be so completely devoted (Mark 8:31-38). And so Jesus showed—not just taught—that the one who loves God most is the one who would obey God to the very end (Mark 13:13).
Jesus died to demonstrate the result of faith.
Jesus knew that if he died that God would act in certain ways. Whoever, in God’s name, destroyed God’s obedient servant, would be destroyed by God (Mark 12:1-9). Whoever lowered themselves for God’s sake and God’s people would be raised by God to rule (Luke 14:11). And whoever died because of their devotion to God, would be raised from the dead (Mark 8:35). Three days after Jesus’ death, God raised him from the dead to prove the third principle. After showing himself to the disciples for many days, God rose Jesus up to political authority over heaven, under the Father. And in 70AD, the temple and the priesthood and the ruling Council of the Jews were destroyed, even as Jesus predicted.
The power of faith is self-sacrifice for others.
This is the way of freedom.
And yet, this is exactly the scenario that the New Testament proposes. Jesus was a man who did good, who healed many and taught thousands to change from doing evil to doing good. He claimed as a basic principle never to harm another. But the authorities of Jerusalem branded him a rebel whose goal was to overturn their authority. And because of his rebellion, he was killed. And yet, all of this was, according to the New Testament, God’s plan and desire—the God of mercy and justice. How could this be?
We need to understand the underlying reasons for Jesus’ death—which from our perspective is insanity and injustice, but for the purposes of God it is right and good.
I. Historical Reasons for Jesus’ deathJesus died because he threatened the temple of God.
“Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:19) Jesus made this statement publicly, right after he cleansed the temple of the impurity of buying and selling. Jesus never said that he would destroy the temple himself, but he did declare it impure, and he said that it would be destroyed by God (Mark 11:11-20; Mark 13:1-2). But the temple was the center of Jewish religion in that day, and the leaders of Jerusalem needed it to remain that way. The temple was the center of the authority of the priesthood and the ruling Council of the Jews. If it was destroyed, then their power would be wiped away immediately. Jesus seemed to threaten the temple (Mark 14:55-58), and so, in the mind of the Jewish authorities of Jerusalem, he must be stopped (John 11:47-57).
Jesus died because he claimed to replace the government of God’s people.
Jesus entered into Jerusalem as a great ruler, which was questioned by the Jewish authorities of Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-9, 23-27). When they questioned him directly about his claims to authority, he agreed that he was the one whom God established as king over God’s people and that he would reign over the priesthood and the ruling Council. That a borderline heretic could rule over them was unacceptable to the Council and they made a final determination that he should die. (Mark 14:55-61).
Jesus died because justice was replaced by mob rule.
Because the Council was under the thumb of the Roman government, they had to ask permission to kill Jesus. They presented Jesus to the Roman governor of Jerusalem as a rebel wanting to replace Caesar as lord of the earth. Pilate questioned Jesus, and while Jesus declared himself to be king, it was clear that he was not king as Caesar was (John 18:29-38). Because he had done nothing rebellious, the governor declared him innocent. But the Jerusalemites listening to this trial demanded that Jesus be killed for sedition. Finally, Pilate was swayed by the crowds, and allowed Jesus to be killed. (Mark 15:12-15).
II. Jesus’ Own Reasons for Dying
Jesus died because he chose to.
But Jesus did not die simply because of the injustice of the Jewish and Roman governments. Jesus declared many times ahead of time that it was God’s plan for him to die at the hands of these governments (Matthew 20:18-19) and he accepted the will of God in this (Mark 14:36). He could have escaped at his arrest, but chose not to (Matthew 26:50-56). He could have phrased his answers to be more acceptable to the Council or to Pilate, but he was being deliberately unhelpful toward his release (John 19:9-10). Jesus was prepared for his death and he did what he could to make sure it happened, even though the final decision was Pilate’s.
Jesus died to make himself king over God’s people.
Why did Jesus make that choice? Why did he act in agreement with his own death? Because he saw his death as a means to an end. He determined that he needed to rule over God’s people. But to be a ruler under God, he couldn’t just be at the head of an army or gain the acclamation of the people. Rather, he had to be appointed by God. To do this, Jesus had to prove to be a perfectly righteous ruler, one who would do God’s will rather than act for his own benefit. Also, Jesus needed to be oppressed by the ruling governments, to prove that they were unworthy to rule. This would cause God himself to act, to put down the unrighteous who raise themselves to power and to raise up the righteous who lowered their own desires (Luke 14:11). In this way, Jesus allowed himself to die to allow God to act for his ambition to rule.
Jesus died to free people from oppressive rule.
But Jesus didn’t want to rule from his own ambition alone. Rather, he desired to rule, because he saw God’s people as being without decent leadership (Mark 6:34). Jesus saw the people as under Satan, needing deliverance from his rule of misery and death (Matthew 12:43-45). Jesus saw the teachers of God’s people as being too ready to judge, and unlearned in the ways of God’s mercy (Matthew 12:7). And Jesus saw the whole priesthood and temple system as impure and idolatrous (Mark 11:15-17). Jesus desired to sacrifice himself for the sake of all those who truly desired to worship and follow God, but had no way to do it (Mark 10:45).
III. What Jesus’ death shows us
Jesus died to display the way of faith.
Jesus knew that the one whom God was pleased with is the one who is so faithful to God that he is willing to sacrifice everything he is and everything he has for him (Luke 14:33). Jesus determined to be a man so wholly devoted to God that he would die. And he also said that anyone who would gain the life that God has to offer must be so completely devoted (Mark 8:31-38). And so Jesus showed—not just taught—that the one who loves God most is the one who would obey God to the very end (Mark 13:13).
Jesus died to demonstrate the result of faith.
Jesus knew that if he died that God would act in certain ways. Whoever, in God’s name, destroyed God’s obedient servant, would be destroyed by God (Mark 12:1-9). Whoever lowered themselves for God’s sake and God’s people would be raised by God to rule (Luke 14:11). And whoever died because of their devotion to God, would be raised from the dead (Mark 8:35). Three days after Jesus’ death, God raised him from the dead to prove the third principle. After showing himself to the disciples for many days, God rose Jesus up to political authority over heaven, under the Father. And in 70AD, the temple and the priesthood and the ruling Council of the Jews were destroyed, even as Jesus predicted.
The power of faith is self-sacrifice for others.
This is the way of freedom.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Self Help Lies
A good article about some lies our society tells us:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/tcw/2008/mayjun/4.26.html
http://www.christianitytoday.com/tcw/2008/mayjun/4.26.html
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