For whom did Christ give Himself? - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2024

Christ has loved us and given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God.

Christ loved the church and gave himself for her.

The Son of God loved me and gave himself for me.
Ephesians 5:2.25; Galatians 2:20.

For whom did Christ give Himself?
In the three verses above we read that Christ "gave Himself", i.e. He gave Himself, body and soul, voluntarily, going as far as the supreme sacrifice, His death on the cross.

"Christ has given Himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God." God wished to save the sinners that we were, and Jesus gave Himself to save us, but it was primarily to God that He sacrificed Himself, knowing that it was His wish that He should yield up His life. Before going to the cross, He had said, "That the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave me commandment, so I do" (John 14:31).

"Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her". God also wished to give His Son a beloved wife. That wife is the Church, consisting of all who believe in Jesus who unites them. She is "the church of God purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28). Jesus gave Himself out of love towards her, and He cherishes her (cf. Ephesians 5:29).

"The Son of God loved me and gave Himself for me". If the sacrifice of Jesus has to do with the entire body of believers, it is because it concerns each one personally. If I have believed in Him, I can say in wonderment: "The Son of God gave Himself for me." My sins deserved God's condemnation. This matter had to be settled for me, if I were not to be lost. And He settled it out of love for me!

What wondrous love that "passes understanding" (Eph­esians 3:19)!

Today's reading: Amos 2:1-16 · Proverbs 22:17-29