What Jesus did for me Funny how things go!? I wonder how often I forget things. lately i forgot to journal my spiritual journey. Last night I watched the first half of the Passion of the Christ movie. I have read and imagined those scenes in my mind before. I did not have the same images. But I do like the emotive elements constructed in this movie. Emotionally I felt like Jesus agonized over what He was about to do for me and for the whole world. I John 2:2 says in the Message paraphrase
"When he served as a sacrifice for our sins, he solved the sin problem for good--not only ours, but the whole world's." What did Jesus do? Jesus put himself on the cross. He did voluntarily. He did it for you and me.
Jesus came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom to many (Matthew 20:28). Jesus also said, No on can kill me without my consent--I lay down my life voluntarily. For I have the right and power to lay it down when I want to and also the right and power to take it again. For the Father has given me this right (John 10:18). Not only did Jesus put himself on the cross, but he also did it to pay for my sins--for your sins. The Bible says,
We--everyone of us--have strayed away like sheep! We, who left God's path to follow our own. Yet God on him the guilt and sins of every one of us! (Isaiah 53:6)Each of us chooses to follow our own path. Yet God's path can be taken only when we choose to believe that Jesus paid the penalty for our sins. Jesus paid the penalty for sins. He chose to die on the cross for you and me. Jesus' death on the cross proves His power over death. That may sound weird. How can someone who dies have power over death. The Bible says,
...and by being raised from the dead he was proved to be the mighty Son of God, with the holy nature of God himself (Romans 1:4). Jesus was raised from the dead by God Himself. The Bible bears testimonies of His resurrection. Thus he overcame death. Not only did Jesus put himself on the cross, paid the penalty for my sins, and proved His power over death, he prepares a place for me in heaven. The Bible records what Jesus said to his followers, There are many homes up there where my Father lives, and I am going to prepare them for your coming. When everything is ready, then I will come and get you, so taht you can always be with me where I am. If this weren't so, I would tell you plainly (John 14:2-3). Jesus prepares a place for His followers. I am a follower of Christ. He means so much to me. In fact He means everything to me. Now you may not be as convinced as I am. That's okay. Just consider this; Jesus did all these things for you...that's right, for you. He want you to join him in heaven. So what does Jesus mean to you? He could mean nothing, and that's fine. You may need to keep thinking about His claims because this is the first time you've considered what Jesus did for you. Or Jesus could mean something to you. You may have heard some things about Jesus and you need more information. I suggest you read the book of John in the Bible to discover more about who Jesus claimed to be and what He does. Read his story. Think about it. Then decide what he means to you. For me, Jesus is everything. He put himself on the cross paying my penalty for sins and proved His power over death and prepared a place for me in heaven to be with Him. I am so grateful. Let me know what you think. Post your comments. 'Til next time. What Jesus did for me