Many Sacrifices

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

When we think of Jesus' sacrifice, we think of the cross, and so we should. He came as the ultimate, final sacrificial lamb to die for all if they would put their trust in Him. No other sin sacrifice would ever be needed. This is the heart of the gospel message. This is the good news we're supposed to share with the world. And the main part of the story begins with a birth in Bethlehem.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn (Luke 2:7).

However, leaving heaven, going through the birth process, and living on a sinful earth must have also been a great sacrifice. Think of leaving a place like heaven. He came to earth, not as a conquering Messiah but as a weak, helpless baby in a manger. He must have cried like most babies at the indignity of being pushed out into a cold, uncomfortable world. When He agreed to come, He knew his purpose - to die a cruel, torturing death nailed to a humiliating cross.

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people (Matthew 4:23).

While on earth, he would set the example for us to follow. From obeying His Heavenly Father; to baptism; and then to teaching, ministering, and serving, He demonstrated how His followers should live their lives, not thinking of themselves but others and not seeking their will but God's. In many ways, Jesus' whole life was a sacrifice. How closely are we willing to follow His example?

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