Scripture reading: II Corinthians 4:7–12

Passionate about the Passion

To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3 KJV)

 

The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language is a great resource for helping us to better understand the Gospel. Consider how the word “passion” is defined:

Passion n. 1. Any powerful emotion or appetite, such as love, joy, hatred, anger or greed. 2. Ardent adoring love. 3. Boundless enthusiasm. 4. An abandoned display of emotion. 5. Passivity. 6. Martyrdom. 7. The sufferings of Christ in the period following the Last Supper and including the crucifixion.

How can one word carry so many meanings? The way to answer that question is to look long and hard at the most passionate event in human history. I am talking, of course, about the self-giving act of God in sending his only Son to die for the sins of the world.

It would have been impossible for Mel Gibson to have found a more appropriate title for the film he produced in 2004 graphically depicting the final twelve hours of Jesus’ life. The Passion was a smashing success at the box office because Jesus’ death on the cross was an act of passion that continues to generate passion when- ever the story is told.

Of course Mel Gibson did not invent the word “passion” to describe Jesus’ crucifixion. That honor goes to the New Testament itself. In Acts 1:3 the Bible describes Jesus’ death as his “passion” Greek, pascho. But he was no helpless victim, killed against his will.

No one takes my life from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father. (John 10:18)

His sufferings were voluntary and freely embraced. Passionate love for sinners led him to give his life as a ransom for many. Yes, his pain was intense, but he suffered for you because he was (and is!) passionate about you!

The world has never encountered such passionate devotion as was displayed on Calvary. Here for all to see was suffering love: broken body, shed blood, nail-pierced hands and feet. Such freely chosen self-giving love is the key to the redemption of the world. When death is at work in the life of the lover, life is at work in the lives of those who are loved.

But here is the most amazing thing. Jesus calls us to live a life like his! He calls us to live passionately. That is, he calls us to live a life of suffering love. People who love passionately risk getting hurt deeply. Like Jesus. But such self-giving love is redemptive in its power to transform the lives of those around us. To lay down one’s life for others is to take the risk of getting nailed . . . literally! Jesus wants us to imitate his example. Christ suffered [pascho] for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps (I Peter 2:21).

People of God, let his passion ignite yours!

 

The Son of God suffered unto death, not that men might not suffer,

but that their sufferings might be like his.—George Macdonald

 

point to ponder • Would you describe yourself as a passionate person?

prayer focus • That Jesus’ passion would ignite passion in me.