Jesus’ death shows us how to live

Jesus, God’s son, is our example not only in the way he lived but also in his death. Often we learn more about the character of a person by how he dies than by how he lived. The deepest trials reveal character. Adversity reveals virtue. I don’t really know a person if I’ve only known him or her during the good times. It is the tough times that reveal a person’s character. Jesus — in his dying moments — was as perfect as he was during his life. His dying only manifested the perfect character he demonstrated in his life.

In his death Jesus taught us how to live. The death of Jesus illustrates the seriousness of sin and our need for a Savior. By his substitutionary death, he died in our place. 1 Peter 1:21 says, “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example to follow in his steps.” Jesus not only died for us but he also died as an example to us. He died to show us how to live. The character of Jesus was revealed in his death by what he said. His last seven sayings on the cross are principles for living our lives.

• “Forgive others.” In Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” Jesus died forgiving those who sinned against him. Even after a lifetime of experiencing mankind’s worst treatment, Jesus revealed his forgiving heart. His forgiveness came as he hung upon the cross — a victim (from the human perspective) of the hatred, animosity, bitterness and wickedness of men and demons. We’d expect Jesus to die crying out to God for pity or shaking his fist in the face of God the father for his unfair execution. However, the son of God did none of that.

He asked forgiveness for his executioners. He knew his executioners did not know his identity or the enormity of their crime. They didn’t know they were killing the prince of life, their creator. They didn’t know they were slaughtering the messiah. As Jesus forgave, we must forgive others.

• “Reach out to others.” In Luke 23:43 Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with me in paradise.” Two rebels were crucified next to Jesus. At first, they both mocked Jesus. One rebel asked Jesus to remember him. He pleaded for forgiveness. It’s hard to imagine how Jesus, hanging on a cross, feeling the hate of his persecutors, and bearing the punishment of all who would believe throughout the ages, could at the same time be concerned with the salvation of one sinner. Christ was never too preoccupied to not be interested in leading someone to salvation. We must also reach out to others.

• “Meet the needs of others.” In John 19:26-27 Jesus said, “Woman, behold, your son…. (Son), behold, your mother!” As Jesus was dying, his mother was on his heart. It is likely that Joseph had died by this time. Jesus couldn’t commit her to his half-brothers since they didn’t believe in him (John 7:5). He would not leave the care of his believing mother in the hands of his unbelieving brothers.

Once again we see the selfless love of Jesus. On the cross he experienced the weight of the world’s sin, the agony of the cross, and the wrath of almighty God. Yet, his thoughts were directed to someone else — his mother. We must never be so overwhelmed with our own pain that we lose sight of the needs of others (Philippians 2:4).

• “Realize the seriousness of sin.” Matthew 27:46 reveals the most shocking statement of Jesus. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus died understanding the seriousness of sin. Sin separates us from God. We must understand the implications of our sin — it wrenches us away from God. As our sins were placed upon Jesus, God the father had to turn away from him. Every sin ever committed by every person will be punished. Sin is either paid for by Jesus on the cross through salvation or a person pays for their sin in the lake of fire for all eternity. Sin is deadly serious.

• “Depend on others.” In John 19:28 Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” As Jesus suffered the wrath of God on the cross, he became very thirsty. He needed a drink to quench his thirst. He couldn’t get it for himself. He depended on others. We must do the same.

• “Finish what you start.” In John 19:30 Jesus said, “It is finished.” Jesus died completing the work that God gave him to do. When Jesus said, “It is finished,” he meant that he had finished his redeeming work. He came into this world “to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself” (Hebrews 9:26). He did that. He bore our sins in his own body and dealt Satan a crushing blow to the head (Genesis 3:15). Live your life in such a way as to finish the work God has given you to do.

• “Commit yourself to God.” In Luke 23:46 Jesus said, “Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit.” We must cast all our anxieties upon God because he cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). You must put your life, your death and your destiny in his hands. That is what it means to live a life of faith — a life of complete trust in God.

Christians aren’t perfect in this life. We still struggle with sin but we look forward to perfection in heaven. Turn to Jesus for salvation and then model your life after his example.

Ethan Hansen is pastor of Faith Bible Fellowship in Big Lake. Reach him at ehansen@biglakefaithbible.org.