Exodus 19:2-8; Romans 5:6-15; Matthew 9:35-10:8

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

We’ve all seen those game shows that ask the question, “What would you do for money?” The game shows make contestants go to great lengths in order to win, such as jumping off buildings, being covered in spiders, swimming with sharks, and facing other greatest fears. They often show how the allure of money can make people go outside their comfort zone and do things they never would have done otherwise.

What if, though, the game show wasn’t about winning for yourself, but someone else? Imagine if people had to compete for complete strangers to win the money. That is, the person competing wouldn’t get any of the reward. Would people still be as willing to go to such great lengths? I think we all know the answer would be no. 

It’s one thing to compete for money; it’s completely different to be willing to lay down your life for them. For this is what St. Paul teaches us in our Epistle reading this week. We’re all over competitions if WE receive the prize. We want nothing to do with them if they don’t benefit us. But God isn’t like us. For he did what we would never be willing to do. As St. Paul writes, “For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us,” Romans 5:7-8. Indeed, it’s not uncommon to be willing to die for a friend, a family member, or a loved one. But for a stranger and even enemy? Who would go to such great lengths?

And why would anyone need to die for us? Why can’t we make it on our own? Because we’re all subject to the ruler of this world… death. No one can escape death’s reign and none are capable of overthrowing death. As Paul said, “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned,” Romans 5:12. All have sinned. All are guilty of transgressing God’s law and have become enemies of God. We have placed ourselves into the situation where the only one who can help us is our “enemy.”

This is why the cross should confound us all the more. Jesus gave up his heavenly throne, became man, and was willing to suffer and die… not for friends, not for close acquaintances, but for his enemies! For this is nothing we could possibly earn. We never deserved this from God. We have never done anything to warrant such a gift. Rather, it was free! It was a gift. It was given to us solely because of the grace and mercy of God. Again, as Paul writes, “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life,” Romans 5:10. By Jesus’ death on the cross, he sought to win over his enemies, you and me, so that he may reconcile (bring us back) to God by his blood shed on the cross. For Jesus didn’t stay dead either. He rose from the dead on the third day to show his victory over sin, death, and the devil. And now that he lives and reigns eternally, how much more shall we count on his grace to give us eternal life!

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:

Almighty, eternal God, in the Word of Your apostles and prophets You have proclaimed to us Your saving will. Grant us faith to believe Your promises that we may receive eternal salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!