“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8
Fire and rescue personnel have a lot of quiet moments, but they also rise to the occasion when someone is in a burning house or car and needs a quick escape. Some firefighters work full-time while others have other jobs and are volunteer firefighters during their free time. Either way, when a trained person bursts into a burning building to bring people and pets to safety, they forget about their own comfort and do what it takes to save lives.
When Jesus left Heaven to be born in Bethlehem, He was mindful of the vital rescue mission arranged by the Heavenly Father. After Jesus demonstrated to the world that He is God in the flesh through His spotless life and miracles, He made a beeline to the cross in order to rescue us from our sins. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
When the two men crucified at the same time as Jesus saw an innocent man dying on a criminal’s cross intended for Barabbas, they were shocked. They mocked Jesus, but then one of the criminals stated that they deserved to die while Jesus did not deserve His suffering. He said in Luke 23:41-42, “‘We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.'”
Before Jesus went to the cross, He agonized in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, but He forsook his own comfort and convenience for the cruel cross. Hebrews 10:12 (ESV) says, “But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.”
Though He could have prevented His death, Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice to redeem us and restore paradise for everyone who believes.
— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Georgia
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