Dietrich Bonhoeffer is credited with saying,
When Jesus calls a man, He bids him come and die.
Jesus then set the example. His obedience to His Father meant death. Philippians 2 tells us that: “though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (2:6-8)
Could we have any better example of Someone who fleshed out Bonhoeffer’s statement and became the ultimate example for us? History tells us that crucifixion was a horrible and horrific way to die. And yet He went. Hebrews 12:2 says, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame…”
To follow Jesus means to come and die. Maybe not on a cross or a pyre or a guillotine. But we still must die. To self. To selfishness. To pride. To ego. To “me first.” He set an example that we should follow in His steps. (I Peter 2:21)
A death sentence that I continually struggle to carry out.
God sent us Jesus, knowing full well that we would rebel and kill Him. Not to have sent Jesus would have meant God being influenced by our behaviour. Yet He did send Jesus and allowed us the free choice on how to behave.
We still have that choice today.
God bless.
Amen, Bill! We must die to self, losing our life for Jesus’ sake.
Blessings!
That ugly flesh dies hard…