GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Introduction 

Everyone gave up in prayer for her healing and strength as soon as death laid his icy hands on her. Death has always been the last point of hope for the human community.  

The akans have an adage which states that, when death holds something, life cannot take it. Solomon even aserts same by indicating that the grave yields to no one. Death has always been the closing point of all that humanity can do. Jesus is here with us today to change the story.

In this exposition, we will explore the powerful theme of "Die with Jesus and live" whiles focusing on the following Scriptures, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, and John 12:20-33.

Bible Exploration 

In Jeremiah 31:31-34, we hear the promise of a new covenant that God will make with His people. This covenant will not be like the old one, written on tablets of stone, but it will be written on their hearts. Through this new covenant, God will forgive their sins and remember them no more. 

This beautiful promise speaks of God's desire to bring His people into a deeper relationship with Him, where they can truly live through dying to their old ways.

Death, from Genesis is understood as being separated from God. This separation (death) has been the gap between humanity and our Creator. God is ready to bring us to life when we die to sin, "For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” Life comes from God's forgiveness. 

In Hebrews 5:5-10, we are reminded of Jesus Christ, who was appointed by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. Jesus, in the days of His flesh, offered up prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save Him from death. 

And though He was a Son, He learned obedience through what He suffered. Through His obedience and sacrificial death, Jesus became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him. Jesus lived out the ultimate example of dying to self in order to bring life to others.

The fundamental responsibility of the high priest in the Old Testament was to make sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people. Jesus Christ, the High Priest in the order of Melchizedek brings life to us. He restores the eternal life in God that we lost.

In John 12:20-33, Jesus speaks of His impending death on the cross. He uses the metaphor of a seed that must fall to the ground and die in order to bear much fruit. Jesus explains that anyone who loves their life will lose it, but whoever hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 

By willingly surrendering Himself to the Father's will, Jesus not only defeated death but also opened the way for all who believe in Him to have eternal life.

Just as Adam served and followed Satan to bring eternal death, Jesus declared, "If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him." 

Dying With Jesus

The message of "Die with Jesus and live" is a call to embrace the way of the cross, to die to our selfish desires, ambitions, and sins, and to live for Christ. It is a call to follow Jesus's example of self-sacrifice, obedience, and love. 

When we die to ourselves, we allow Christ to live in us and through us, bearing fruit that glorifies God and brings life to others.

Conclusion 

As we reflect on these Scriptures, may we be encouraged to take up our cross daily, die to ourselves, and live for Christ. In dying with Jesus, we find true life, freedom, and purpose. Let us be transformed by the power of the cross and the victory of the resurrection, knowing that in Christ, we have eternal life. Amen.

Shalom aleikhem ...