Introduction

The gift of Christ is the proof of God's love. This Saturday is Valentine's Day. It's the day when a man is supposed to give his girlfriend or wife a special gift to show that he loves her. Popular gifts include flowers, candy, and jewelry. But God gave us a much costlier gift to prove His love for us.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). The gift of Christ is the proof of God's love.

Why does God love us?

God is love (1 John 4:8, 16).

Christ died for us

Christ died for us. Some scholars believe the date was April 3, A.D. 33. Pilate, the Roman governor over Judea, was finished questioning Jesus concerning the accusations brought against Him by the leaders of the Jews. He could find no reason to put Him to death. Yet he knew that if he didn't give the people what they wanted, a riot was likely to break out in Jerusalem. Finally, he addressed the impatient mob waiting outside his palace. "What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" he asked. "Crucify him!" was the reply.

Jesus was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering (Isaiah 53:3). The soldiers led Jesus away to be flogged. He was stripped of His clothes, tied to a post, and beaten by several soldiers with a whip. The whip was probably made of leather strips fitted with pieces of bone or lead. After the scourging, the soldiers put a robe on Jesus. It was probably an old garment that had been discarded by one of the soldiers. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on Jesus' head. They spit on Him and took the staff and struck Him on the head again and again.

Christ died willingly

Christ died willingly. It is appointed unto men once to die (Hebrews 9:27). For us death is an appointment; but for Jesus it was a choice. He said, "No one takes [my life] from me, but I lay it down of my own accord" (John 10:18).

Christ died in humiliation and agony

Christ died in humiliation and agony. A crucifixion victim was often forced to carry his own cross to the place of execution. Jesus was in no condition to carry a heavy cross. The soldiers grew impatient with Jesus' agonizing pace, so they grabbed a man named Simon along the way, making him carry the cross of Jesus. Even with Simon carrying His cross, Jesus apparently was too weak to walk unsupported. They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha. Golgotha is an Aramaic word, meaning "a skull." It is generally assumed that the cross of Jesus stood on a steep, rocky hill that had the appearance of a skull.

Christ died in my place

Christ died in my place. During World War II's Battle of Britain, the Royal Air Force's courageous defense of the skies over Britain foiled Hitler's plans for an invasion of the British Isles. Afterward, Prime Minister Winston Churchill said in the House of Commons, "Never in the history of mankind have so many owed so much to so few." But when we think of the cross of Christ, and the person who died on it, what we say is: Never in the history of the universe has mankind owed so much to One.

Christ died for sinners

Christ died for sinners. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

What does the gift of Christ tell us about God's love?

God's love is undeserved. While we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). God's love is unequalled. His own love (Romans 5:8). God's love is universal. But God's love is also personal. Christ gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20).

How should I respond to God's love?

I should receive God's gift of love. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). I should love God in return. We love him, because he first loved us (1 John 4:19). I should love others as God loves them. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another (1 John 4:11).

Conclusion

The gift of Christ is the proof of God's love.

Get the Full Sermon

• Sermon Notes
• Midweek Discussion Questions