September 11…Heroes…Jesus Christ

Romans 5:6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

These verses bring out primary differences between normal humans and the God-Man, Jesus Christ.  At the core, all humans are selfish when they are born and many continue to be selfish throughout their entire life.  Thus, they view life through selfish lenses and look to see what they can get out of life rather than what they can give to others and to society.  Thankfully, not everybody is this way and there are some people who truly love their neighbors as themselves.

Many people will act self-less at times.  They will give to others and show compassion at times.  But, then at other times they act in a self-centered manner.  In truth, there was only one person who was truly and completely unselfish.  Some people will even say that they would give their lives for others.  We know that many people have done this but our text says that this is a rare occurrence.  Would you really die for somebody?  Would you step in front of a bullet for anybody?  For a close family member or friend?

Where does that drive to give one’s life for another person’s life come from?  We weren’t born with it.  It may be something that is taught but the example in our text is of Jesus Christ Himself.  He was 100% man and 100% God and yet gave Himself for everyone!

It is logical that a mother may die for a child who she gave birth to.  It is explainable that a father would die for a daughter.  It would be understandable for a spouse to give his or her life for the other.  However, would an enemy give his life for someone on the opposing side?  Would a neighbor give his life for a neighbor who is constantly rude to him?  Would a Jew give her life for Adolf Hitler?

This week, our nation will stop and remember the terrible acts of terrorism that were committed on September 11, 2001.  Thankfully, even in the midst of the evil of that day, there was great good done by true heroes.  We celebrate those first responders who were willing to give their lives so that other may live.  They are examples of our ultimate hero, Jesus Christ.  While we were still horrible, rotten, good for nothing, despicable people, the sinless, perfect Son of God died for us!  May we remember and celebrate His sacrifice for us every day by the way we live for Him.

Pastor Jason