Jesus Laid Down His LIfe

What Did Jesus Do?

“For this reason the Father loves me,
because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.”
John 10.17

Who controlled what happened to Jesus? Judas, who betrayed him? The armed posse, which arrested him? The disciples, who deserted him? The Council, which “tried” him? Peter, who denied him? The Roman soldiers who scourged him? The crowd, which cried out “Crucify him”? Pontius Pilate, who washed his hands of him? All of the above? I suppose the real question is, who is responsible for taking the life of the Lord? The answer to that question is, “No one.” No one “took” his life because Jesus laid down his life. The Father loved him for this, and I hope you love the Good Shepherd for this as well, because he did it for you (John 10.11).

Now, it can be a noble thing to lay down one's life for another person, or for a country, or a cause. I still remember when I was about 7 or 8 and first read about Nathan Hale, who was executed as a spy by the British during the War of Independence. Hale's only regret as he marched to the gallows was that he only had one life to lose for his country. Hale was truly a hero and a patriot, who lost his life for the cause of American freedom. And, according to his famous last words, Nathan Hale would have been willing to lose his life over and over again for his nation. But, losing his life, Hale could not take it up again.

Unlike Nathan Hale, and unlike anyone else who has lost their life for a cause, Jesus, did not lose his life, but willingly laid it down, fully intending to take it up again. For, unlike Hale, who died a victim of war at the hands of his captors, the Good Shepherd had authority to both lay down his life, and take it up again (John 10.18b). Christ was nobody's victim, but rather a champion, THE Champion, if you will, of love manifest in forgiveness, grace, and mercy.

Nathan Hale was a volunteer for a dangerous mission, and acted under orders. The Good Shepherd too was a volunteer, and acted in obedience to the charge and orders of the Father (John 10.18c). Some, who are ill-informed, accuse God of extreme cruelty, and hold him responsible for the death of his Son. This is a patent falsehood, for when Jesus said of his life, “No one takes it from me,” he meant no one, including the Father.

I'll grant you, no such conversation is recorded in the Bible, but I believe the Father very likely said something like, “You know, Son, you don't have to do this” to which Jesus replied, “Yes, I do know that, Father. But for the sake of your glory, and even more, for the sake of your love for them, I will willingly lay down my life for your sheep. Then I will take up my life again, and give my life to them.” Then, with tears running down, the Father would have embraced the Son and said, “That's my boy!” Fanciful? I suppose. But I am convinced that something like this dialogue occurred before Jesus came down to earth. I am even more convinced that a very similar tearful embrace awaits all the Good Shepherd's sheep, whom the Father will receive with a “That's my daughter/son.”

S.D.G.

Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4