Discipleship & Life and DeathSample

Jesus' life & death

Jesus shows us what it means to know what you live for and give your life for it.

It tells us something about "purpose": What are you living for? What are you willing to live for as a follower of Jesus?

Just before Jesus is arrested, Peter, one of His closest friends, has a conversation with Him about this. Peter says he is willing to do anything for Jesus, even to the point of death. The reality is that when Jesus is arrested, Peter flees and denies Jesus 3 times. Peter seems afraid of what people will think, afraid of the consequences of complete surrender to Jesus. He does not yet dare to come out for Jesus, let alone risk his life for Him. Instead, He pretends not to know Jesus. Peter, a human being like you and me.

Despite this, Jesus dies for Peter. He died for you, for me, and for our brothers and sisters all over the world. Jesus shows His ultimate love in this. He gave His life because He loves you and me, despite all our shortcomings.

The beauty is that the story with Peter does not end here. After Jesus' resurrection, restoration takes place; things are made right again between Peter and Jesus. Jesus knew Peter through and through - He knew his heart and his love for Him. Because of this, He gives Peter a special place in the building up of the church and Peter has been an important example for many believers in following Jesus. Even today, we learn from him through his letters.

Yesterday we ended with the question "What are you living for"? Today we will end with that again. What are you living for? How does that make your life different? Are you giving your life like Jesus? Do you give your life for Jesus?

Do you obey your Father just as Jesus did? And what might that cost you?

Take the following questions to ponder:

• How well do you know Jesus' vision of the Kingdom?
• Have you embraced His vision and what does that mean for today? Can that cost you anything?
• In what area can you still grow in this?
• What can you learn from Jesus' devotion and obedience? How can you apply this in your own life?

Prayer:

"Father, thank You for Your greatness. When I think about Your plan for this world, right through suffering, I actually cannot comprehend it. Thank You that I get to know You better and better and that I know that You know me through and through. Please help me to be devoted to You and to obey You just as Jesus did. Amen."