As my son laid down to go to sleep last night, I heard him call out, “Dad.” I walked into his bedroom to see what he needed. He explained to his mom and me about his burden for one of his friends who has yet to ask God for forgiveness of his sins. Both of the boys are ten years old and his friend shows incredible interest in following Jesus Christ. We believe it is just a matter of time before he will turn to God. I enjoyed our conversation last night as he described what he was thinking, the burden he had, and how he was going to encourage his friend. I walked away from his room challenged by his sincerity, desire, and burden. On this Sunday, are you burdened for people?
“Let the little children come…”
As Jesus made His way toward Jerusalem where He would face death on the cross, people brought little children to Him. As they did, Jesus noticed that His disciples rebuked them for bothering Jesus. Jesus responded:
“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them for such is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 18:16)
Jesus spoke clearly to the disciples. He desires for children to come to Him. Further, we see this over and over in His ministry. He welcomed sinners (Luke 19:1-10), the sick (Luke 17:11-19), and all who are lost (Luke 15:1-32). Why? Because Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).
Consider Jesus’ Sacrifice
Think about the sacrifice for a few moments with me if you would. Jesus gave up everything. He came as a baby to live among us. He became our brother in suffering as He walked, ate, slept, and suffered as any one of us. Jesus did all of that in order that He might end up dying as the wrath-bearing sacrifice of God. He chose to be our substitute. Instead of us having to face eternal punishment for our sins, Jesus came to make a way for us to be saved. He paid with His own sacrificial death the payment for sin. Why? Because He came to seek and save the lost.
What if someone does not believe in Jesus Christ? Sadly, that person faces eternal punishment. He or she dies and faces judgment for their sin. Ultimately, the sin that dooms them to eternal death is the ultimate refusal to believe in Jesus (cf., John 3:16-18). The sin of not believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God who died to pay for one’s sins is the sin that condemns one to eternal punishment and death.
Yet, nothing keeps anyone from turning to Jesus in repentance and asking for forgiveness of his or her sin. Jesus accepts everyone. One’s sinful past does not deter God from forgiving that sinner of his or her sin. In fact, Jesus’ blood made salvation possible for anyone who calls on the name of the Lord for mercy. “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” (Luke 18:13).
Are You Burdened for People?
Think about this with me for one moment longer.
All people need forgiveness of their sin or they face eternal punishment without God in hell.
However, Jesus came so all those people can be saved. He seeks to save the lost.
For salvation, someone must first hear of Jesus, sin, and the offer of rescue from sin.
That person must then ask God for mercy through Jesus Christ.
What do people need then? Salvation from their sins and sin nature.
How do they get saved? They get saved through hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ.
How do they hear? One of us must tell them.
What are the consequences? Eternal consequences either for life in heaven with God or death in hell with Satan.
Are you burdened for people? My son helped me ask the same question to myself last night.
Featured Image Credit Humble Lamb
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