The Wednesday Word
Jesus Christ: Martyr or Sacrifice? by D.G. Miles McKee The definition of a martyr is that of someone who suffers death for advocating, or refusing to renounce, a religious or political belief or cause. A sacrifice on the other hand is a religious rite in which someone or something is offered to a divinity to establish, maintain, or restore a right relationship between humans and that deity. Jesus was not a martyr. He was a sacrifice. The Lord Christ offered Himself as a sacrifice (Hebrews 10:12). In doing so He demonstrated His teaching of John 15:13 , “Greater love has no man than this, than a man lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus died as a sacrifice to bring us back into relationship with God and He did so voluntarily . During His life, He moved events in accordance with His eternal purposes. He was, always in full control! Likewise, with His death, He was in charge. Listen to the Master as He tells the disciples of events which must surely come to pass. He says,