Giving Up

"From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life."

-- Matthew 16:21 (NIV)

Jesus knew exactly what the future held for Him. He was keenly aware of what was expected of Him. Each step of His journey was closely planned out, every move carefully choreographed, every action precisely orchestrated for His arrival at the cross in time for the salvation of mankind.

But His followers just could not quite grasp this concept. All the ancient prophesy, which He had filled up to this point, clearly depicted Jesus as the Messiah, the One who would deliver the people of Israel from slavery, save them from their enemies, defeat any who stood before them. The people expected a warrior king, not this humble servant. And certainly not One destined to die at the hands of their own kind without so much as lifting a finger in defense.

So Jesus took the time to carefully explain what the immediate future held for Him and for them. He repeated the lesson often, and still they did not truly grasp what He was saying, not until they witnessed the risen Lord in all His glory.

We enter into the sacred Christian season celebrating the death and resurrection of our Christ by observing Lent, the time of sacrifice. As Matthew describes in the verse above, Jesus knew he was to die at the hands of the very children God so loved. God made the greatest of sacrifices when He placed His only Son upon the altar of man. Jesus gave up His life, sacrificed His blood that our sins might be washed away. After Christ's resurrection and ascension, the Disciples also suffered greatly for their belief in our Lord and their willingness to do as He instructed, even when it greatly displeased the powers and leaders of the time. They also sacrificed on our behalf as they established and nurtured the early church. Stephen was martyred, Paul suffered many beatings and imprisonments, an exiled John died alone.

God gave up His only Son. Jesus gave up His body and life. The Disciples gave up everything. Since the day Christ ascended into heaven and the Holy Spirit descended upon us to live within us, men and women have faced harsh decisions for their beliefs and have made great sacrifices to follow the word of God and the teachings of Christ. They clearly understood the meaning of Lent.

But what of us today, in our comfortable homes? What of we who have so much, who know little or no want, whose needs are easily met? What do we sacrifice for our Lord? What have we given up to follow Jesus? What hardships, real or contrived, do we face because of our belief in and support of our Lord Christ?

It is very important to note that we do not gain our way into heaven by observing Lent nor any other religious season or ritual, for works alone will not avail us. The work has already been done for us. During Lent, we recognize and give thanks for those sacrifices made so long ago. Many do so by giving up some small comfort for the forty days leading up to Easter, commemorating the forty days Jesus fasted in the wilderness and prayed, before completing His journey to the cross. Maybe we will give up sweets or going out to movies. But to be meaningful, we should give up something that is really important to us, just as those we recognize did. If you've wanted to quit smoking for years, now is a great time to do it. If alcohol has a grip on you, give it up for Lent and you may find you can live without it for life. Sacrifice large meals in favor of smaller portions. Double your gifts to your church or charity. Give something that causes you a little pain. Your rewards will be great! Improved health, longer life, and more stars in your heavenly crown will surely follow.

You may also want to add something new into your life. If you don't already, make time each day for prayer and devotions, listening carefully for God's response. Teach a Sunday School class at church, sing in the choir, or assist with a service. Step out of your comfort zone for a bit and enrich your relationship with Jesus.

Take advantage of Lent by giving up! Give up a pleasure that you feel you want more than anything. Give up a comfort that makes life bearable. Give up a bad habit you think you can't live without. And give up your heart and life to Jesus -- not just for forty days, but for ever. Amen.