Jesus is the Victor: Embracing True Victory in Christ
Have you ever wondered what it truly means to follow Jesus? You might think it’s about living a good life, attending church, or being kind to others. But what if I told you that following Jesus means embracing something much deeper? It might mean something that even looks like defeat to the world around us.
On Sundays at Immanuel, we’ve been going through a series asking the question “Who is Jesus?” This last Sunday we latched onto a major truth in the exploration of Jesus’ identity: Jesus is the victor, and in Him, our victory is assured. This victory isn’t just about Jesus; it’s about you and me and how we live our lives.
The Unexpected Path to Victory
When you think of victory, what comes to mind? Success, power, triumph? In the world’s eyes, victory often looks like winning, dominating, or achieving greatness. Its about winning the medal, making the sale, getting the promotion. But Jesus flips this idea on its head. In Matthew 16:21, Jesus tells His disciples that it’s necessary for Him to go to Jerusalem, suffer, be killed, and be raised on the third day. This path to victory is unexpected and even shocking.
Peter, one of Jesus’ closest followers, couldn’t accept this. He rebuked Jesus, saying, “This will never happen to you!” But Jesus responded with a strong rebuke of his own: “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me because you’re not thinking about God’s concerns but human concerns” (Matthew 16:22-23).
Peter’s reaction shows how easy it is to focus on earthly concerns rather than God’s eternal plan. We often do the same, prioritizing our comfort, success, and desires over God’s kingdom.
But Jesus calls us to a different way of living.
Embracing the Cross
Jesus goes on to say, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). This isn’t just a call to endure hardship; it’s an invitation to embrace a life that looks like defeat to the world but is actually the path to true victory.
Think about it: Jesus’ crucifixion looked like the ultimate defeat. But in reality, it was His greatest victory. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin, death, and evil. And He invites us to share in that victory.
Living for the Kingdom
So, what does this mean for you? It’s unlikely that many believers in America today will face the same kind of persecution the Apostles faced for their commitment to Christ. For us, it means re-evaluating our priorities and aligning our lives with God’s kingdom. Here are some concrete steps you can take right now:
Deny Yourself: This doesn’t mean neglecting your needs but rather putting God’s will above your own desires. Ask yourself, “Am I living for my comfort or for God’s glory?”
Take Up Your Cross: Embrace the challenges and sacrifices that come with following Jesus. This might mean standing up for your faith, serving others, or letting go of some area of sin and idolatry that hinders your relationship with God.
Follow Jesus: Make a daily commitment to follow Jesus’ example. Spend time in prayer, read the Bible, and seek to live out His teachings in your everyday life.
Conclusion
Jesus’ path to victory was unexpected, but it was necessary. His suffering, death, and resurrection were all part of God’s plan to bring us true life. As followers of Jesus, we are called to embrace this upside-down kingdom where victory comes through surrender and life comes through death.
So, what will you do this week to align your life with God’s kingdom? Will you deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus? Remember, in Christ, you are victorious, even when life looks like defeat.
