Let me tell you about a very special friend of mine. I met Him when I was quite young. My friend is a kind, self-sacrificing person. Of all those people who know Him, every of them would say that He would do anything to help anyone. He was born in a small village, probably not much larger than this. At the time of his birth, His parents were travelling far from home. When they had reached their destination, they discovered that all places of accommodation were filled to capacity. Something really large was occuring in the town, causing all the motels, hotels and boarding houses to be occupied. My friend's parents were forced to seek shelter in someone's barn. Much to His parent's dismay, my friend was born in that very barn.
My friend grew up in a relatively poor family. In fact, I consider myself a lot better off, financially, than His family. My friend has done many fantastic things in His lifetime. He has healed adults and children from fatall illnesses and he's never been to medical school. My friend has even been in trouble with the law before because of His great steps to help others. My friend believes that if something needs to be done to help another in need, then it should be done, even if it means breaking laws
My friend is a very God-honouring person. He loves God with all He is, and He believes that God's laws come before man-made laws, which is to be commended. My friend is very devoted to God. He prays and studies with dedication daily. My friend lets nothing come between Himself and God. My friend is SO devoted to God that he went on a 40 day wilderness trip just to spend time with God. During that time, He was hounded and tempted by an evil adversary, but He perservered, with great awesomeness, to the glory of God. I don't think I could have done something like that.
My friend is so special. He did something no one has ever done for me before--He promised to stand by me now and forever. He promised me that He would always be at my side, and that no matter what I do or how I treat Him, He would always love me. I don't deserve that type of friend. I mean--look at the way I treat Him--sometimes I go for weeks without talking with Him, yet He always stays in touch with me. And you know what else? He never gets angry and frustrated with me for not communicating with Him; He always loves me selflessly and without expectation. All I ahve to do is believe in Him and believe that He will always be here for me forever no matter what I do,or where I go. Do you have a friend like that?
Yes--I can see the skepticism in your faces: "C'mom", you're saying, "no one in this world is like that. No one is that devoted--it's impossible and, if its's true then I want to meet this guy." Well, believe me!!! As I am standing here, such a special friend does exist and He can be your special friend too. But you are correct when yo say that no one in this world is like that. My friend is one of a kind.
But there is more--my friend gave up His life for me! He died in my place! How many of your friends have done that? Better yet, would you do that for your friend? I'm not sure I would have given my life up for Him, yet He, without so much as a second thought, willing gave up His life for me. Pretty awe inspiring huh? But that's not all--there is STILL more.
My friend did something that NO ONE in this world has ever done--He was raised from the dead! I'm not telling you a tale, nor am I trying to fool you. Everything I have said is the honest Truth! My friend really died and He rose again--and you know what else? My friend gave His life for you too!! My friend's name is Jesus Christ and He did those things for you and me just because He loves us! Jesus gave up a lot for us and He doesn't expect much in return--just your love, trust and faith. You don't even have to tell anyone you are His friend...BUT I guarentee that once you know HIm like I do, you will want to tell the whole world that Christ Jesus is your friend, and your personal Saviour.
I couldn't imagine my life with Jesus--I only know that it would be a sorrowful one, lacking direction and purpose. When you trust Christ as the one an donly way of salvation, all your heavy burdens can be taken onto Him. Now, that doesn't mean that you will never have any troubles again--it just means that you will never have to handle life's problems alone. Jesus Christ is your way to true happiness... and He's love for you to take Him as your Special Friend.
The sky went black suddenly, as if the entire world was to be mourning over the conviction. It didn't seem just or right in any way for the crwod to condemn the man. The man had done many great things -- healing people, and raising the dead, to mention only a few. It was a waste of a young life that was so full of potential. His kindness and self-sacrifice was so obvious to all who knew him. Even Pilate refused to take responsibility for his execution.
We made him carry his own torture device up a gigantic hill called Golgotha. They seemed to have no mercy, even placing a crown of thorns on his brow. His face bled and mixed with his sweat as he haggardly dragged that cross to his doom. I can scarcely believe they chose to crucify him since such punishment was reserved for such henious crimes as murder. The man had called himself the Son of God. Is such a thing equal to murder? It would seem so.
It was a disturbing sight watching the others arguing over his clothing. The man hung in agony between two convicts and watched silently as his clothing was gambled away. It was a heart-wrenching sight to say the least. While the other two criminals looked bitter and angry, the man looked peaceful in his own strange and painful way. The crowd spit and hurled insults at him, full of spite and hatred. Even one of the two criminals dared to shout cruelties at him. No one seemed to mourn over the loss of his life except a few women, and a handful of devote followers. I prayed that his God would rescue him but nothing happened.
The man was gracious even up to his very death. He said kind and comforting things to one of the convicts beside him. He even asked his God to forgive US, his executioners! It was unbelieveable that someone could withstand such abuse and remain so kind. I watched from a distance as he went to be with his God. He died so quickly, and somehow I was thankful for that. I knew he was dead just by looking at him; the others speared his side and water and blood seeped out. Afterwards, everyone returned back to their residences. I remained behind and looked at him with a certain emptiness within me that I couldn't explain. Jesus of Nazareth...a noble, kind and special man. Perhaps....no, Surely, this man was the Son of God.
