He Lives (April 2023)
By: Charlotte Fawver
No man took the life of Jesus. Jesus, himself said in John 10:15, 17-18, “As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. …Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 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.” Jesus knew His mission, and He was obedient to the Father even unto death (Phil. 2:8). We then read in 1 John 3:16, “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” This may not be physical death, but giving to others of our time, prayers, giving financially, giving food, drink or clothing, or to encourage the discouraged.
Jesus went to Gethsemane with His disciples. He spoke to his disciples, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.” (Matthew 26:38). Jesus was so grieved that He was at the point of death. I submit to you that this event was part of our redemption. Jesus bore all depression and oppression so that we could be made free from every diabolical attack of the wicked one. It is truly amazing that Jesus could bare all of man’s depression and not die. I know that I certainly have felt depressed before and it is horrible. Because I know what Jesus did for me, I lay hold of Him for peace and demand demons to take their depression and to go from me in Jesus’ name. Guess what? They have to flee.
We read in Luke 22:43&44, “And there appeared an angel unto him (Jesus) from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Sweat becoming as great drops of blood is actually a medical condition called Hematohidrosis. The cause of this condition is extreme anguish. Jesus looked into His cup that he must drink from and knew what He would need to do to fulfill the will of the Father (John 18:4). He would be flogged nearly to the point of death, punished for all of man’s sins, and be separated from the Father (Mt. 27:46). He would suffer the depths of hell and experience the most torturous method of execution ever devised; the death of crucifixion. It is no wonder that Jesus’ sweat became as great drops of blood.
Jesus prayed over and over, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” We see in the Passion Bible that He prayed intensely. The Greek text implies a repetitive action of forgiving those who tortured and mocked Him. The centurion that threw Jesus to the ground and tied his arms to the crossbeam, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them.” At the spikes driven through His hands and His feet, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them.” When soldiers parted His garments and gambled for the seamless robe, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them.” Some are quick to say, “Yes. I have forgiven my enemies” who have cursed, hated, and spitefully used and persecute me (Mt. 5:44) But would we dare pray, “Father, forgive them.” We must forgive and even bless those who come against us. Jesus says that we are to forgive those who sin against us. If we do not forgive others their sins, Jesus said that the Father would not forgive us of our sins (Mt. 6:14&15).
Jesus died a horrible death of great suffering and shame. He was placed in the grave for three days and three nights. The Bible tells us that the Father was satisfied; the sin debt had been paid (Is. 53:11). Jesus became sin for all of mankind. He was punished for all sin, so that we all could go free. This blessing only comes in accepting the finished work of Jesus. He was God’s lamb offered as a sacrifice for all of mankind. It looked like Jesus was defeated when the crowd saw the death He died. The disciples were hiding out and filled with fear over seeing their Savior tortured to His death. But, something happened on that third day! Jesus came back into His body which was now glorified. Then, “up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o’er His foes. He arose a Victor from the dark domain, and He lives forever, with His saints to reign. He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!” “He lives. He lives. Christ Jesus lives today.” “Because He lives, we can face tomorrow.” Now, that is something to celebrate!