Sacrificial Love
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is what sets apart Christianity from all other religions. Jesus is the only leader that died and was resurrected to be seen by over 5 hundred people!
The love of Jesus Christ is a central theme in Christianity and is often seen as the defining characteristic of his ministry. Throughout the New Testament, we see numerous examples of Jesus demonstrating his love for humanity in various ways. Jesus’ love is portrayed as being unconditional, sacrificial, and transformative. This selfless and unconditional love that Jesus has for all people, regardless of their background, sins, or failures.
John 3:16 (NKJV)
[16] “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
This verse highlights the sacrificial nature of Jesus’ love - he was willing to give up his life in order to save humanity from sin and eternal separation from God.
Jesus’ love is also characterized by its unconditional nature. In a world that often places conditions on love, Jesus’ love for us is not dependent on our actions or worthiness.
Romans 8:38 (NLTse)
[38] And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow–not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. [39] No power in the sky above or in the earth below–indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 5:8 (NLTse)
[8] But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
This verse reminds us that Jesus’ love is not based on what we have done or who we are, but rather on his own nature of boundless love and mercy.
CRUCIFIXION
One of the most powerful examples of Jesus’ love in action is the story of his crucifixion.
He was betrayed by Judas after being in Jesus’ inner circle. Even though Jesus knows who His betrayer was, he washed his feet at the last supper (John 13:1-5).
He was denied by the very person who declared that he would never deny Him and would die for Him.
Matthew 26:33 (NLTse)
[33] Peter declared, "Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you."
[34] Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, Peter–this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me."
[35] "No!" Peter insisted. "Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!" And all the other disciples vowed the same.
Jesus’ Prayer to God the Father in John 17 before His capture and crucifixion.
Jesus still willingly endured the agony of the cross out of love for all people. As he hung on the cross, he prayed,
Luke 23:34 (NLTse)
[34] Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing." And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.
JESUS SHOWS COMPASSION AS HE DIES ON THE CROSS
Luke 23:39-43 (NLTse)
[39] One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, "So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself–and us, too, while you're at it!"
[40] But the other criminal protested, "Don't you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? [41] We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn't done anything wrong." [42] Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom."
[43] And Jesus replied, "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise."
This act of forgiveness and selflessness is the ultimate expression of Jesus’ love for humanity.
Jesus’ love is not only sacrificial and unconditional, but it is also transformative.
When we accept Jesus into our hearts and lives, his love has the power to change us from the inside out.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Jesus’ love has the power to heal, restore, and renew us, bringing about a transformation that is both profound and lasting.
The love of Jesus is exemplified throughout His ministry on earth. He showed compassion and kindness to the marginalized and outcasts of society, such as the poor, the sick, and the oppressed. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and forgave sinners, demonstrating His love for all people regardless of their circumstances.
Examples of Jesus’s extraordinary Love.
Jesus performed numerous miracles during His time on earth, as recorded in the Bible. These miracles served as testimony to His divinity and power, and they continue to inspire and awe people to this day.
One of the most well-known miracles of Jesus is the turning of water into wine at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11). This miracle was Jesus' first public demonstration of His divine power and served as a sign of His authority over creation. By turning water into wine, Jesus not only provided for the needs of the wedding guests but also revealed His ability to bring about abundance and joy in the lives of those around Him.
Images of Jesus as a stoned-faced Messiah, passing judgment on all in his path simply fail to account for the biblical evidence that he was completely at home in festive occasions. In fact, part of his rejection by religious leaders was based on their perception that he enjoyed being with sinners more than was appropriate (see Mk 2:15-16 and Lk 5:30). Jesus’ life is the most profound statement ever made against joyless spirituality.
Another well-known miracle performed by Jesus is the healing of the sick and the feeding of the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21). There were no hospitals, clinics, or doctor’s offices. The threat of incurable illnesses due to infections, fevers, or food poisoning plagued both rich and poor. And they were seen as cursed by God and sent to isolated areas. Jesus felt an amazing love for those who were rendered helpless by disease. After healing so many people, He had concern over them not eating, Jesus multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish to feed a large crowd of people who had gathered to hear Him speak. This miracle demonstrated Jesus' compassion for everyone in need.
One of the most powerful miracles of Jesus is the healing of the blind man (John 9:1-7). In this miracle, Jesus restored sight to a man who had been blind from birth, demonstrating His power to bring about physical healing and restoration. This miracle also served as a symbol of the spiritual blindness that can be overcome through faith in Jesus.
Another notable miracle performed by Jesus is the raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44). In this miracle, Jesus demonstrated His power over death by calling Lazarus out of the tomb after he had been dead for four days. Highlights of this story:
When Jesus got the word, that Lazarus had died, he told his disciples that (V4) Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. He did not go back to Judea for two days after hearing the news (V6).
The disciples tried to discourage Jesus from going because Judea was the place that they tried to stone Him (V8).
Thomas said to his fellow disciples, “let’s go to and die with Jesus.” (V16).
When Jesus arrived at Bethany, we were told that Lazarus had already been in the grave for four days (V17)
Martha ran out to meet Jesus saying, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died (V21).
Jesus tells her, “Your brother will rise again.” (V23)
Martha thinks Jesus is talking about the rapture (24)
Jesus explains. John 11:25-26 (NLTse)
[25] Jesus told her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. [26] Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?"
Martha goes and gets Mary (V28-29)
Mary sees Jesus and falls to her feet stating, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (V32)
When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who came with her, He became angry, after all they had seen Him do, they still had doubt (V33)
Jesus inquired “where have you put him” (V34)
Jesus wept because there was so many that doubted Him (V35)
Jesus commanded them to “Roll the stone aside” (V39).
Martha protested and stated that Lazarus had been dead for 4 days and the smell would be terrible (V39)
The stone was rolled away and Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” (V43)
Lazarus came out dressed in his grave clothes and Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go! (V44).
How about story of the woman caught in adultery.
John 8:1 (NLTse)
[8:1] Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, [2] but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and He sat down and taught them. [3] As He was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd.
[4] "Teacher," they said to Jesus, "this woman was caught in the act of adultery. [5] The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?"
[6] They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. [7] They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!" [8] Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.
[9] When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. [10] Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, "Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?"
[11] "No, Lord," she said.
And Jesus said, "Neither do I. Go and sin no more."
These are just a few of the many miracles performed by Jesus during His time on earth. Each of these miracles served as a testament to His divine nature, His compassion for the marginalized and oppressed, and His ultimate victory over sin and death. As Christians, we can draw strength and inspiration from these miracles, knowing that the same power that raised Lazarus from the dead and fed the 5,000 is available to us through faith in Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.
In conclusion, the miracles of Jesus are a central aspect of His ministry that demonstrate His power, compassion, and authority. These miracles remind us of the divine nature of Jesus and His ability to bring about transformation and restoration in our lives. As we reflect on these miracles and their significance, may we be inspired to trust in Jesus as the source of all power and hope, knowing that He is able to work miracles in our lives as well. Just as He performed miracles during His time on earth, He continues to work miracles in the hearts and lives of those who believe in Him. Let us be open to experiencing His miraculous power and grace in our own lives, trusting that He is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine. Jesus' miracles are a testament to His love, compassion, and power, and they continue to point us towards Him as the ultimate source of hope and salvation.
Romans 3:22 (NLTse)
[22] We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.
[23] For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. [24] Yet God freely and graciously declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. [25] For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, [26] for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.
PASTOR JR
There is a video link below which explains the timeline of Christ crucifixion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmtyYqq11Qc