Let Go: Jesus Series

   John 12:25 "To hang on to your life is to lose it. To let go of your life is to save it."

   This is probably one of the most confusing things Jesus said. But, in looking at the context, it makes sense. From John 12:20-36 Jesus is predicting his death yet another time.

He started out by telling another parable about a kernel of wheat. He says that if the kernel doesn't fall to the ground and die it is one seed. If it does die it produces many seeds (v. 24). Then Jesus says today's verse.

   If Jesus would not have died then we would not have eternal life. He had to be the sacrificial lamb to die for all of our sins, not just the Israelites. Jesus is the ultimate example of everything we hope to be/have. That's where this verse comes into play.

   I have found there is a series of books by Ted DeKker that explains this really well. The series is called The Circle Trilogy. In the series it emulates what we go through on earth and in our spiritual walk. However, how these people come to Christ is a little different. They have to drown. Yes, they must jump into a red pool, give up their life, and drown. When they do this, they wake up in the presence of God. God tells the person that he loves him/her. Then the person goes up above the surface alive in God.

   In this series the person literally has to give up their life to be saved. In our lives we don't have to do anything so drastic to become a believer. However, we do need to deny ourselves. We need to choose to say yes to Jesus and no to ourselves. We need to admit we are a sinner, then we can have eternal life.

   As Christians though, we must realize that there is a chance that we will be persecuted. Some Christians die because of their faith in Jesus. That's another part of what Jesus is talking about here. Jesus gave up his life for us. If we give up our life for Jesus, or for others, we are following his example. Others may see our example and come to faith. Others may see our example and realize they need to grow closer with Christ. Others may see our example and wonder why we did that.

   We must remember that everything on this earth is temporary. If we give up our lives here we will have eternal life with Jesus, if we know him as our savior.

   So, do you understand why Jesus had to die for us? Do you realize that the things of this earth are temporary? Would you be willing to give up your earthly life for Jesus?

   Image from here.