For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mk 10:45

Jesus’ mission on earth was primarily a vicarious mission. He had come not to be served as he deserved, but to serve others and to die for them who did not deserve what he paid. For this would not be a trivial payment, but would be his death on a Roman cross. The creator of the universe would die so that the created might live. The created who had sinned against their creator.

No-one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. Jn 10:18

More amazingly, it was not the nails on the cross which held him, for Jesus had the power to save himself. He voluntary remained on the cross, for he loved the Father, and in so doing, loved his people so much that he would give up his life.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Ro 8:37

In most conventional human thinking, such an event would be seen as a defeat. The disciples must’ve felt defeated when they saw their Lord crucified. Yet, when Jesus cried it is finished, he wasn’t talking about himself. He had defeated death, he had paid the price of sin through his death. He took on the sins of his people, and imputed his righteousness to them. He was victorious, and would rise again on the third day.

As his disciples today we are to follow his example, not to gain salvation for he has accomplished that on the cross, but out of gratitude and a desire to do the will of the Father. Our spirits are renewed and are slowly being conformed to the image of our saviour. We are to put God first and ourselves last. For in glorifying God we will be achieving what we were designed to do, and we will be restored to the joyful state which was intended for us.

As the children of God, we are set apart from the world to live holy lives.

Not only are the people of God to be restored to what God intended, but through the work of Jesus Christ, the universe will be reformed. For while the heavens declare the glory of God, this world is not what it should be. There are natural disasters and an earth which is cursed and increases our toil. The whole of creation awaits the time when it is restored to what was intended.

For we have a hope that is steadfast and sure. One day we will be restored, renewed and how God intended us to be. Not as disembodied spirits living in an ethereal world, but as souls with resurrection bodies, living in a new heavens and new earth.