The Uniqueness of ChristExemplo

7/Unique in his Passion

Nowadays, ‘passion’ is a word commonly used of enthusiasm or romantic love. Originally the word had to do with suffering. In Christian tradition, it has been used to describe the suffering of Christ, particularly at Gethsemane and Calvary. 

Jesus’s Passion was unique. 

It was not only that he died for us. Thousands of people over the years have sacrificed their lives for others. It was why he suffered that was different. He suffered to take our sins upon himself. 

How do we know this? 

First, the Old Testament sacrificial system made it clear. For hundreds of years, thousands of animals were slain in Israel, everyone of them a symbol of the forthcoming universal sacrifice of Jesus. Especially on the Day of Atonement when offerings were specifically made to deal with the sins of the people (Lev 16:1-34).

Second, Old Testament prophets foretold it. Isaiah spoke of One who would bear our iniquities and sins, by the giving of his own life (Is chapter 53). David, Jeremiah, Micah, Zechariah and other prophets made similar declarations (e.g. Psalm 22:1-8; Zech 12:10). 

Third, Jesus himself warned his disciples that he would be crucified and that he would give his life as a ransom (Matt 20:17-19, 28). 

Fourth, the apostles proclaimed clearly that through the Cross, all who believed would be saved (see Acts 10:37-43; Rom 5:6-11; 1 Cor 15:3).

There are two further critical reasons why we believe Jesus’s death was unique. The primary one is the Resurrection. It was this that set his death apart and proved the validity of his sacrifice (Rom 1:4; 1 Cor 15:4). Many have given their lives for others but none has risen from the dead!

Finally, it is the Holy Spirit who convinces us that Jesus died for us and for our sins. This is not something that can be proven by argument or scientific experiment. Jesus told us that the Holy Spirit would convince us and lead us into all truth (John 14:26; 15:26). Further, the apostles affirm that it is by the revelation of the Holy Spirit that we believe (1 Cor 2:7-16); Eph 1:17-19).

The Spirit convinces and witnesses to us that Christ both died for us and lives for us. Such conviction lies well beyond philosophy or rationalism or science. It can’t be analysed. But you can’t write it off just for that reason. Human experience has its own validity. And personal experience of Christ is life-changing. There have been millions of Christians who bear witness to this.

What can compare with the joy of knowing that our sins are forgiven? That we are deeply loved? That we serve a living Saviour? That we have an eternal hope? 

Jesus was truly unique in his Passion! 

What Next?

On a scale of 1 (Poor) to 10 (Wonderful), rate your experiential knowledge of Christ. How real is he to you? How well do you know him? Ask God to fill you with his Holy Spirit and to lift your personal knowledge of Christ to a new level.