“Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled.32 He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him; 33 they will flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.” 34 The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.” Luke 18.31-34
Can you imagine being in a small group of twelve with Jesus? I often think about the mystique of that meeting—the intimacy, the intensity. He was telling His closest friends and followers what He was about to endure. It was the most intense trial ever faced in history, undertaken by choice and destined to impact the entire world.
I recently watched a documentary on Michael Jackson’s life. It was spectacular. I grew up watching and loving his music, and I wasn’t alone. Even in death, he still holds the highest-selling song of all time (“Thriller”) and the highest-grossing album. Since his passing in 2009, according to reports, his estate has earned more income than any living musician. Last year alone, it grossed $100 million.
Why am I telling you this? Because Michael achieved worldwide fame and is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists and entertainers of all time. Yet he died and remains in the grave today. Jesus, on the other hand—if I might draw the comparison—suffered, died, and rose again. There is no real comparison. Both were superstars in their day, but Christ overcame sin and death. One was only a man, though immensely talented. The other was fully man and fully God—and became the Savior of the world.
Jesus conveyed truth to His disciples at the time, but they did not fully understand. I can convey this same truth to people today who may or may not believe it, receive it, or even want to hear it. Yet Jesus’ impactful life did not end in death as Michael’s did; it ended in more life—eternal, everlasting, abundant life with God in Heaven.
Death always results in death. But in Jesus’ case, His death results in life. And we can partake in this life because His resurrection on the third day means that when we believe in His name, trust in His grace, and receive Him as Lord, we can have new life. It is a decision of the heart and soul—to surrender to the God who knows us, loves us, created us, and sustains us.
So what do we do? We pray:
“Jesus, I receive You as Lord and Savior. Come, Holy Spirit, into my life and fill me. I believe that You died on the cross and rose again for my sins. I give You my life. I give You my soul. I trust You as my God. Amen.”
Michael was amazing. No doubt his God-given talent changed the world and a generation. But Jesus changed eternity. He made Michael, poured gifts into him, and empowered the abilities that impacted so many. Michael’s songs continue to play on the radio and Spotify, but the song of Jesus is alive and well today—echoing through Holy Scripture, breathed by the Holy Spirit, and alive in spirit and in truth.
Trust in Christ this day,
Turn to Him without delay,
Fall upon your knees,
Realize your growing need.
Do not hesitate,
For the day is getting late.
In the beauty of the song,
You will find your “welcome home.”
“O Lord, thank You. Come now, Holy Spirit, and save Your people. I give You my life. I want to live for You. You are my purpose, my light, and my life. Come now upon my family and my friends. Give us purpose and hope. I trust You, Lord, and I surrender to You this day. For You are good and Your love endures forever.” Amen