The Gift of Salvation
A difficult passage, yet one that shares the reality of our salvation. Here are some reflection points I wish to share as we approach Easter:
The cross, predicted then presented (V23-24): The Old Testament predicts Jesus' death on the cross. In this passage, Jesus presents it as his “hour”. His death is essential for our salvation, depicted metaphorically as a kernel of wheat dying to produce fruit. By dying for us, Christ enables us to bear fruit that glorifies His name.
Submission and surrender (V26): The two words that have a bad reputation in our very individualistic and controlling world. Because Jesus paid for our sins through his death, as his followers, we must likewise relinquish the earthly lives we have and follow his ways. The original sin is what disoriented us from God and made us slaves to our flesh’s desires. In dying to this world, we realign our focus back to God. Paradoxically, to truly live and attain eternal life, we must daily sacrifice our earthly desires and submit ourselves to God.
Atonement (V27): Jesus lived his entire life knowing exactly when and how he would die and for whom he had to die. It is information none of us can fathom, and he had no choice but to do so and glorify God’s name. If I were indeed faced with a troubling choice, I would definitely get myself out of it. But Jesus knew he was born to die for us no matter his anguish or agony. The moment he dies, our sins are transferred to him.
Salvation (V31-33): Jesus' death and subsequent resurrection are themselves a judgment upon the world. It signals the defeat of death and the expulsion of the devil, the "prince of this world." Through His sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus eradicates our eternal debt, providing the means for eternal life and a connection to God. The reality of salvation is that God gave his son to redeem us. We have been purchased with the blood of Jesus. Why then should I ever doubt God’s love and grace?
Father, thank you for the gift of salvation, I don’t deserve it, but you purchased my life with the blood of your son, Jesus. Give me the courage to surrender all that I am so that I may be a reflection of your love and kindness to those around me. Amen.
Ruth Situma