Introduction. Let’s begin our lesson by looking at a common theme in five passages:

1. Galatians 1:3,4 Note: “gave Himself” - for our sins. The objective - “that He might deliver us from this present evil age”
2. Galatians 2:20 Note: “who loved me & gave Himself for me.”
3. Ephesians 5:25-27 Note: Husbands love wives - as Christ “loved the church and gave Himself for her” The objective - sanctify, cleanse, present her to Himself - glorious, no spot or wrinkle, but holy & without blemish.
4. I Timothy 2:5,6 Note: “gave Himself” - in this case “a ransom for all”
5. Titus 2:11-14 Note: “gave Himself for us” - The objective - redeem us from “every lawless deed” & purify for Himself “special people, zealous for good works.”

        This morning I would like for us to meditate upon the words that are repeated in each of these passages that tell us Jesus “gave Himself.”

1. He gave up the pleasures, joys and glory of heaven for a lifetime. Little is said about the splendor of life in heaven.
   1. Power to command legions. ( Matthew 26:53) [legion = in the time of Augustus consisted of 6826 men (i.e. 6100 foot soldiers, and 726 horsemen). 81912+ men!
   2. Angels constantly attend Him. (Matthew 18:10; Psalm 91:11,12) In the movie The Last Emperor even as a baby attendants rushed to change the royal diaper.
      When I was in the hospital there is a control switch which summons nurse for any need you might have. My wife wouldn’t let me install one at home.
2. He gave up the honor that he deserved. Sometimes we all feel unappreciated - When I was a sophomore in high school I was able to play enough on the varsity team that I should have lettered, but when the end of the season came I did not. Life is full of - employers/employee; husband/wife; friend/friend; parent/child disappointments. (John 1:11) Note: “his own” creation.
        Note: each of these things are more “things” He gave up, yet the texts say Jesus “gave Himself.” That is not the same thing. The husband or wife who gives up every hour to support the family yet then turns and abandons them for a younger woman or man -- they may have given things but not themselves for their family. The older brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son - Luke 15:29 “...these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends.” Note: He gave up to obey but never gave himself - if so he would have wanted what the father wanted.
3. He gave his life. (John 10:11-15; I John 3:16) I saw a billboard that shows a rough picture of a fireman after the attack on the World Trade Towers. The caption read - “He ran in when everyone else ran out” That is just what Jesus did!

1. ...To Our Families? (Ephesians 5:25; Titus 2:4) - Time; Attention; Love
2. ...To Our Brethren? (II Corinthians 8:1-5) - Assembly; Visit when sick; study the Bible together; encouragement of weak members (I Corinthians 16:15)
3. ...To Our Lord? (Matthew 16:24) Don Truex in the 2002 Florida College lecture “Christ lives in me” suggests that to carry our own cross suggests not simply suffering but symbol of the condemnation of death. He writes “When a spectator saw a condemned man carrying his cross, this much was sure: he would never see him again” (p. 29). Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his work The Cost of Discipleship observes - “When Jesus calls a man, He bids him come and die” (p. 7) - (Galatians 2:20) - “crucified with Christ” - I no longer live. - Give up our will; give up our lives; give Him our souls.