SCRIPTURAL BASIS
Responding to the Gift of Jesus
‘Losing Ourselves’ in the Season
In Philippians chapter two, we read about Christ’s willingness to “put aside His divine existence.” Christ “made Himself nothing” and became our servant. He humbled Himself and, in perfect obedience and submission, offered His life on the Cross.
As Christians, we did not have to hang on a cross to pay the purchase price of our own salvation. But we must believe, meaning we must “be alive” in Christ and not ourselves. We are to live as if we died with Him.
And so we are urged to imitate the model set by Jesus by becoming humble servants to one another. As Colossians 3:1 teaches, we “have been raised with Christ” and so should set our hearts “on things above.” This is a preeminent message of the New Testament:
“ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” (Luke 10:27 NIV)
“If anyone would come after me,” Jesus said, “he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.” (Mark 8:34-35 NIV)
He took upon Himself the burden of our sins and bore them, “in His own body on the tree, that we . . . might live for righteousness.” (1 Peter 2:24 NKJV)
And as Paul writes: “With eyes wide open to the mercies of God, I beg you, my brothers, as an act of intelligent worship, to give him your bodies, as a living sacrifice, consecrated to him and acceptable by him. Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold, but let God remake you so that your whole attitude of mind is changed.” (Romans 12:1-2 Phillips)
So His mission—His ministry of giving—is now our mission. And as Paul again counsels: “Since you excel in so many ways—you have so much faith, such gifted speakers, such knowledge, such enthusiasm, and such love for us, now I want you to excel also in this gracious ministry of giving.” (2 Corinthians 8:7-8 NLT)
Accordingly, Jesus is the Gift offers tools and activities for growing in and sharing the gospel in order to encourage fellow believers and touch the hearts of non-believers as well. Resources focus on how we are blessed with the gift of eternal life through the cross and are called to be new creations in Christ. We are not only to be hearers of the Word but also “doers” of the Word.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22 NIV)
So next time you see the words “Free Gift—No Purchase Necessary” think of your Savior Jesus, who suffered the burden of your sin to redeem you. Focus your thoughts on Him—your first love. Consider the Heavenly treasures you have because of Him, and the great commission you now have as well. Share His love with those around you. As we truly respond to the gift of Jesus this Christmas and throughout our lives, we can each look forward to the joy of hearing the Lord one day say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21 NIV)