No event has changed the course of human history more than the death and resurrection of Jesus. Thus, it is fitting that we ask ourselves: Who is Jesus? No question has greater implications for our lives than this. Indeed, it is imperative that we see Jesus rightly. As Pastor Michael showed us, only when we see Jesus for who He is can we see ourselves for who we are.

On Sunday, Michael preached on Mark 14:43-65, which depicts events leading to the crucifixion of Christ. In this passage, we see Jesus betrayed, arrested, abandoned, falsely accused, condemned to death, and beaten. In the midst of this whirlwind of injustices, Jesus remained steadfast. He submitted to His Father’s will.

In His sovereignty, God planned all of these events to take place. At the same time, those who committed heinous acts against Jesus were fully responsible for their sins. Jesus’ suffering was real and undiluted. When betrayed and abandoned, Jesus made no effort to escape. When falsely accused, He remained quiet. When condemned to death and beaten, He suffered great pain at the hands of wicked men. Yet, Jesus was determined to fulfill the mission on which He had been sent.

Only when we see Jesus for who He is can we see ourselves for who we are. He is the sovereign King, the faithful Savior, and the righteous Judge. We are reflected in those who rejected Him and ran from Him — even those who hated and condemned Him.

It’s humbling to read the accounts leading to Jesus’ crucifixion, and we might feel hesitant to associate ourselves with those who persecuted Him. However, the gospel brings freedom. To receive the grace the gospel offers, we must first realize our need.

As Andy Davis said, “There is not a single Christian on earth – no pastor, no church member, no elder, no recent convert, no elderly saint – who rightly appraises the vileness of sin.”

We were guilty, but Jesus bore our guilt. We stood condemned, but Jesus was condemned in our place.

Now, having turned from sin and trusted in Jesus, we are called to walk in His example. Let us never be ashamed of the gospel or indifferent to what Christ suffered for us. Let us be people who treasure the gospel and live in light of it, extending costly grace to those around us for the glory of our God.

Resources:

• Does the Cross Show How Valuable I Am? — John Piper

• How the Gospel Reshapes the Stories We Sell Ourselves — Susan Narjala

• Why Don’t I Care? Steps to Overcoming Spiritual Apathy — Uche Anizor

Reflection Questions:

• What are the dangers of minimizing our sin?

• How does the gospel demonstrate the greatness of Jesus?

• What habits can you implement to fight against apathy towards the gospel?