Would You Die For Someone Else?


Would you die for someone else? Before you answer that let me be more specific. I am not talking about those whose job is to risk their life for others such as rescue workers or military personnel. I am asking would you voluntarily lay down your life so a condemned man could have a second chance at life? If it were possible would you trade places with him and take his punishment on yourself?
What if this man was someone you loved like your very own child. Could you do it then? This man deserves the death penalty for his crimes and you have a spotless record. Do you love him enough to take his place?
This man is a beggar, nothing more than a mere bum. You come from great wealth and power. Can you give up your home with all its comforts, walk into the courtroom and assume his guilt? No one can make you do this. It is entirely your choice. There is no reason for doing this other than your love for this other person.
He is not aware that you are doing this for him. Years later he may forget you even existed or that you were just some fairytale.
You are doing this just to give him a second chance. Maybe he will turn from his life of crime and choose the good life. Maybe he will continue in his crimes and be put to death at a later date. It is his choice to make. Could you give him that choice?
For a friend or brother or your child you may consider. But let's say this person is your enemy. Are you still willing to trade places with him?
During the trial this man turns on you. He spits on you and mocks you. Do you remain silent and endure it?
He beats you and pushes thorns into your brow. Do you walk out of the courtroom? Anyone would. This man is a criminal and deserves to be punished. Yet he sits in judgement of you. He cries out for your death. Do you throw your hands up in the air and say you have had enough? No one can make you go through with this. No one could blame you if you didn't.
There is still time. You can change your mind. Are you still with him or have you called your father who would send legions to save you? At your request is an army greater and more powerful than any man has ever known. You know that at the cry of your voice your father would not have you suffer any more. Do you cry out or remain silent?
The man for whom you are willing to die has chosen your death for you. It will be slow and it will be painful. You will be made to carry a heavy wooden cross through a crowd where many will mock you. You will feel their eyes upon you; eyes filled with disgust at seeing you. Are you still willing to do this?
When you reach the top of the hill, this man will then nail you to this cross for you to die. He will hang you between to criminals for all to see. He will continue to mock you and even plunge a spear into your side as you hang on the cross. How much do you love him? Is he worth all this to you?
Could you die for someone else just to give him a chance to choose his destiny? No, of course you couldn't. The price is too great. The request is unreasonable. The fact is you can't lay down your life. That would indicate the possibility of picking it back up, which you cannot do. The best you could do is surrender your life.
Jesus could and did lay down his life. He was the one who was without spot who walked into the courtroom and took on the punishment of the condemned. Who was the condemned, the Roman soldier? Yes, as well as Pilate and everyone in the crowd. In fact we are all the condemned. We are all sinners and the wages of sin is death. Jesus died the death that was meant for us. He gave us a choice. Like the thieves on the cross we will one day be on his side. Now the choice is yours. Will you reject him until the very end or will you choose eternal life through Jesus?


Copyright © 2003 Regina Mahaffy