A Man’s Man

Matthew 16:21…Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day.

Years ago, I hunted Dall sheep in the Yukon with a most unlikely guide named Ferlin. He was a tall shinny former bronco rider that at first glance seemed puny and frail, but he proved to be tough as nails and a man’s man. On day one, we set out for the high country miles away for a big sheep Ferlin had previously seen. We got to the base of the mountain he hoped the sheep was still on and set up fly camp just as a monster storm hit, shrouding the mountains in clouds and dumping three feet of snow. Thirteen days later on our last day, the clouds finally parted enough for us to see up the mountain…and to see the sheep above. Ferlin said simply, “We’re going up that mountain and shoot that sheep.” Nine grueling hours later in subzero temperatures and howling winds, we did just that!

Yes, Ferlin turned out to be a man’s man, but the greatest Man’s Man that ever lived is Jesus Christ. He never waived, never shrunk back. He stood behind what He believed no matter the cost, and He did everything he said he would do, even the impossible! Foremost among his seemingly “impossible” promises was this statement to his disciples, “(I) must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day.” And He did it ALL!

Jesus voluntarily went to Jerusalem knowing full well what awaited Him. He was arrested, mocked and beaten by a metal and glass-studded whip. A crown of thorns was jammed on his head. He was made to carry a rough, heavy cross to a hill outside the city, where He was nailed to the cross and crucified. He endured six hours of unimaginable suffering before he died. Then on the third day, He arose from the dead…just as He said He would! Nobody else has ever done anything remotely like that! And He did it for you and me…to pay for our sins and overcome death itself that we may live forever with Him and God the Father. All we have to do is accept Jesus as our Savior in faith and we will join Him in eternal life. This Great Truth is what we celebrate on Easter Day!

Posted by David Morris