John 10:17-21
“Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes 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 command I have received from My Father.” Therefore there was a division again among the Jews because of these sayings. And many of them said, “He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him?” Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
Back in 2018, I borrowed a sermon from one of my favorite authors, Max Lucado. In his book, He Chose the Nails, he makes the case that in order to establish our salvation, God meticulously and painstakingly planned every aspect of the crucifixion of his beloved Son. God was so intent in redeeming us that he left no detail undone. He chose the cross, the beatings, the shame and humiliation; and he also chose the method of death Jesus would have to endure. Max contends, God literally chose the nails that would be used to kill Jesus so we could be saved. Fast forwarding to 2022, we not only have come to more deeply appreciate the offering of God that secured our salvation, but also the disposition of Christ in facing His inevitable death.
All this year we’ve been highlighting the major characteristics of the man Jesus. We looked at things like his walk, his talk, love, prayer life and mindset. But we’d be remiss if we didn’t focus on the one thing that makes him the Christ: His Victory.
The victory of Jesus is like none other. For every other human, death comes to mark the end of our days here on earth. Even those that miraculously were brought back are still under the curse of death at some future point. Jesus alone was able to make the claim that He was the master of death. He declared He wasn’t subject to the power of death, nor its eternal hold.
Now, of course language like Jesus used made folk wonder. I can certainly imagine being skeptical of a guy claiming death had no permanent hold on him. What made him so different? How did he get this unique distinction? And if it’s true, is there any way I can join him in this glorious victory? Yes, there is, but the pathway isn’t for the weak or faint of heart.
The life of Christ is studied, probed, investigated and examined like none other. Everything he did, said, and experienced is dissected and analyzed over and over. And after all that deliberation we can’t find one thing in his life that didn’t glorify God. Whether folk like him or not, Jesus was perfect in every way. He lived a life in total harmony with the will of his Father. When it comes to living for God, Jesus nailed it.
So, this is what we must keep in mind. That same Jesus now lives in us. He now serves through us. For many people, we are the only example of Christ they may ever see. Our manner of life, and righteous living, demonstration of love, and charitable spirit sets the stage for soul winning. And therein lies our victory. It’s our turn to "nail it."
Jesus did signs, miracles and wonders. He walked on water, healed the sick and opened blind eyes. However, I would argue the greatest feat Jesus ever did was winning our souls. As grateful as we all are for the blessings we have, salvation is head and shoulders over everything else. A beautiful home is great to have, and we appreciate it. Salvation is better. Money in the bank is tremendously important for survival. Salvation is better. Riches, fame, popularity and health are all things that make this life easier and a bit more tolerable. But none of these things compare to salvation.
Dear Children of God, the gift of salvation connects each of us to the testimony of Christ and His dominance over death. Like Christ, every born-again Believer has laid down their old lives and picked up a new life through Christ. Every Believer can now boast of victory over what used to have victory over them. So, claim your power. Claim your position. You, too, can NAIL IT.
