“The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. 56 Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree. 57 Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.’” 59 Yet even then their testimony did not agree.’ Mark 14.55-59
Happy Fourth of July. Today I’m reflecting on the free gift of salvation we have in Jesus and the price he paid to endure shame and die for the sins of the world.
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It’s hard to convict someone of something they are not guilty of doing. The Jewish religious leaders were trying to build a case against Jesus, but he had done nothing wrong. What he did do was convict them of sin and call them to repent and believe the Gospel. Jesus was standing in the middle of his accusers, but they did not have a case against him.
We see this all the time on the news with political leaders. The opposition party creates false claims against the defendant for political purposes in hopes of removing the accused from office. This is a tale as old as time! It’s not just happening in Trump v. Biden but has been going on forever. It’s a tactic to bring down a leader with claims that might be true but can rarely be proven.
However, in Jesus’ case, he was the innocent lamb being led to the slaughter. This was part of the plan. He who was innocent would and could pay for the sins of the world. Jesus knew the plan, as did God. Even though Jesus was not guilty, he was willing to die for you and me. Imagine submitting yourself to a death you did not deserve.
The gospel story brings life. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have hope. The death of the Savior results in the life of every human being who believes. It’s unjust that he had to die, but we are thankful (if not remorseful) that he did. As Romans 6:10 reminds us, “The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.”
So if Christ died, then our lives should not be lived in vain. We should not still love sin! We should not waste the days he has given us to love, to live, and to win others to the Gospel of truth.
This is a new day for each of us! Each morning, Christ invites us to walk with him and to spread his love and grace to a world deep in need. Let us not allow his death to be in vain. Live today in newness of life, as a new creation, so that the light of Christ might live in you.
Today, on this Fourth of July, let us celebrate not only our nation’s freedom but the freedom we have in Christ. Freedom to live, to love, and to spread God’s love to the world.
“O Lord God, thank you for loving me. Thank you for allowing me to be your hands and feet. Come now, Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit. Fall upon me and fill me with your love. For you are good, and your love endures forever.” Amen