To Live or Die

SCRIPTURE

Matt. 27:1 ¶ Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death.

OBSERVATION

This beginning verse talks about a group of religious people who came together and discussed their concerns about Jesus. They ultimately made a fatal decision - the wrong decision! Maybe that is why I am a bit cautious when it comes to releasing committees to make decisions.
The phrase “came to a decision’ reveals that this was a process which took some time and discussion. It was not a snap decision! Have you ever wondered what they discussed and why they reached their conclusion? Maybe the discussion went like this…

Have you heard that Jesus has a lot of followers? Yes even more than we have. What about the people being healed? Many are experiencing miracles and beginning to say he is God! I too have heard that he stilled the Sea of Galilee and saved the lives of several people. All he said was “Be Still” to the waters and they obeyed. Yah and what about the man who had a legion of demons? Jesus set him free. In view of all these acts of kindness and love there is only one conclusion… We must kill him!

One would think that Jesus should be praised rather than killed. Amazing isn’t it!!!
(Read Mark 5:1-17 and note vs. 17)

APPLICATION

Our decision as followers of Christ is quite different from those of the religious leaders of that day. We choose to die rather than crucify Christ.

Gal. 6:14 But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
1Pet. 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
Gal. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Phil. 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
What Decision will you make today?

PRAYER

Lord, show me a better way of dying rather than a better way of living. If you do, I know I will experience eternal life.