Digging Deeper – Sacrificing for Others
He (Jesus) humbled himself …and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
Philippians 2:8 (NLT)
SACRIFICING FOR OTHERS
A young woman was arrested for breaking the law. She knew she’d been caught red-handed and she couldn’t deny her guilt. Later, she stood in front of the judge’s bench and admitted what she had done. The man wearing the robe was a kind man, but he was also a just judge, and knew he couldn’t let her off the hook. She had broken the law. So he gave her the penalty prescribed by the law, which meant the girl was required to pay a steep fine – one that she couldn’t afford – or else end up in jail.
But, then the man did an amazing thing. He stood up, took off his judge’s robe, walked around to the front of the bench where the girl was standing, pulled out his wallet, and lovingly looked in her eyes as he handed her all the money she needed to pay her fine.
Why did he do this? Because the woman was his own daughter! Being a good judge, he had to honor the law and impose the penalty. But being a loving father, he was willing to leave His seat as judge and come to her side, to pay the price on her behalf. Jesus humbled Himself by leaving Heaven and coming by our side to pay the penalty for our sins that we couldn’t pay.
Are you willing to humbly give up your position, pride, or possessions to help others?
Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Maturity at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton. He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.
