Jump Start #4119

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

Throwback Thursday: an article written years ago

Attempts to Kill Jesus

One of the great truths that the Gospels reveal to us is the fact that Jesus Christ gave up his life. By this, we understand that the life of Jesus was not taken from Him, but rather He had a choice. He was in control. He offered up his life. Twice in John 10 Jesus makes this claim:

“even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep” (Jn 10:15)

“For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again” (Jn 10:17)

We see this even further when we look at the many attempts to kill Jesus. Many tried to kill Jesus – but they never could. It was not until Jesus was ready, that He offered, or gave up His life as a sacrifice.

Attempts to stone Jesus: “Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself, and went out of the temple” (Jn 8:59).

– The Jews took up stones again to stone Him (Jn. 10:31).

Attempts to throw Jesus off a cliff: “and they rose up and cast Him out of the city, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city had been built, in order to throw Him down the cliff” (Lk. 4:29).

Attempts in Judea: “And after these things Jesus was walking in Galilee; for He was unwilling to walk in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill Him” (Jn. 7:1).

Plans Formed to Kill Jesus: “So from that day on they planned together to kill Him” (Jn 11:53 – after the resurrection of Lazarus).

– “And he was teaching daily in the temple; but the chief priests and the scribes and the leading men among the people were trying to destroy him” (Lk 19:47).

– “But the Pharisees went out, and counseled together against Him, as to how they might destroy Him” (Mt 12:14 – after the healing of the withered hand).

Jesus gave up His life – by choice, for you to have a righteous relationship with the Father. Jesus’ death was not by force, but a voluntary act of love. Jesus gave up His life as a sacrifice. God’s love and grace are amazing!

Roger

February, 1999