Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God!  Hebrews 12:2 (TPT)  Imagine that after twenty years of marriage, your spouse turned to you and said, “Life’s been downright miserable, and I’ve suffered a lot being married to you. Look at all I’ve sacrificed because of my love for you.” That doesn’t sound very heart-warming, does it?  In the same way, if Jesus hadn’t been motivated by love, He could have crossed His arms and announced, “Well, my Father’s making me do this. I’m here now, so let’s move this thing along.”  But His heart wasn’t …

“Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?”  Matthew 26:53–54 (NLT)  Jesus loves you more than you could ever imagine. How do we know?  When we study the Scriptures, we find God’s plan for mankind’s redemption has love written all over it—from start to finish.  For example, when the Roman soldiers arrived with Judas Iscariot to arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus faced a big decision. While legions of warrior angels waited for His command, Jesus simply let the soldiers take Him.  It’s mind-blowing when you think about it. Imagine knowing you’re facing certain …

Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.  Romans 5:7–8 (NLT)  An experience I had with my son one day opened my eyes to the depth of God’s love.  Years ago, my son, Zach, and I were walking across a bridge in the spring. He was young, so I warned him about the dangers of the melting ice and freezing waters swirling below. Suddenly, Zach gripped the bridge railing and hoisted himself up for a better look. My heart leapt into my throat as I jumped …

“The Father has an intense love for me because I freely give my own life—to raise it up again.”  John 10:17 (TPT) How much does Jesus love you?   His words and actions speak loud and clear. In fact, John 10:17-18 is a very revealing piece of Scripture because Jesus says something with love written all over it: “I freely give my own life.” That means He had a choice not to. After all, if someone coerces, manipulates or forces you to do something, you can’t say you’re doing it freely, can you?  God could have told Jesus, “You don’t have a choice. I’m commanding You to go die for the human race.” But He didn’t do things that way. Why?   It was so that you and …

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” Luke 23:39 (NLT)   As a paramedic, and then a pastor, I’ve been with many people as they breathed their last. Over the years I’ve noticed it’s rare to meet someone cynical or egotistical on their deathbed.   Yet that was the attitude of one of the two thieves crucified beside Jesus. Even approaching the end, this thief ridiculed Him. That may seem shocking. But then again, haven’t we all met people who are living in heartache or nearing death, yet still refuse to turn to God?   Now, the other criminal had a completely different attitude. He rebuked the sarcastic thief, then spoke …