
SERMON: JESUS DIED FOR YOU – REVEALING GOD’S GLORY
2 FEBRUARY 2025
Scripture Reference:
- JOHN 3:16 – “For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS one and only SON, that whoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have eternal life.”
- ROMANS 5:8 – “But GOD demonstrates HIS own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, CHRIST died for us.”
- 1 PETER 2:24 – “HE Himself bore our sins in HIS body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by HIS wounds you have been healed.”
INTRODUCTION
The sacrifice of JESUS CHRIST is the most profound demonstration of GOD’S LOVE and GLORY. HIS death was not just a historical event but the divine fulfillment of GOD’S PLAN to redeem humanity. From the beginning, mankind was lost in sin, separated from GOD. But in HIS GREAT MERCY, GOD sent HIS SON to take our punishment and restore us into fellowship with HIM.
Many people look at the cross and see only suffering, but in reality, it is the ultimate symbol of GOD’S LOVE, JUSTICE, AND GLORY. The cross represents a DIVINE EXCHANGE: JESUS took our sins upon HIMSELF and, in return, gave us HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Through this sermon, we will explore FIVE POWERFUL ASPECTS of JESUS’ sacrifice that reveal GOD’S GLORY. As we reflect on HIS suffering, death, and resurrection, we are called to live a life that honors and glorifies HIM.
- The Glory of God Revealed Through Jesus’ Sacrifice.
John 17:1 – “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.”
Before going to the cross, Jesus prayed that His sacrifice would bring glory to the Father. In human eyes, the cross seemed like defeat, but in God’s plan, it was the moment of greatest victory.
How was God glorified through Jesus’ death?
- God’s Love Was Displayed – John 3:16 tells us that God gave His Son because of His deep love for humanity.
- God’s Justice Was Fulfilled – Sin had to be punished, but instead of punishing us, God placed the punishment on Jesus.
- God’s Mercy Was Revealed – Instead of condemning us, God made a way for our redemption through Christ.
Jesus’ sacrifice was not a tragedy but a divine strategy to restore humanity to God. The cross was the altar where love and justice met, revealing the glorious nature of God.
- Jesus Took Our Sin Upon Himself.
1 Peter 2:24 – “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.”
Sin separated us from God, and the penalty of sin was death (Romans 6:23). But Jesus, who was without sin, took upon Himself the burden of our sins so that we might be saved.
What does this mean for us?
- We Are Forgiven – Through Jesus’ sacrifice, our sins are no longer counted against
Colossians 2:13-14 “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.”
- We Are Free from the Power of Sin – We are no longer slaves to sin; we now have the power to live righteously.
Romans 6:6 “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.”
- We Have Access to God – Sin once separated us from God, but through Jesus, we can now have a personal relationship with Him.
Hebrews 10:19-22 “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”
Jesus took our place on the cross, suffering the wrath of God so that we could experience the grace of God. This is the greatest exchange—our sin for His righteousness!
- The Power of the Resurrection.
Romans 6:4 – “Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” The story of Jesus does not end at the cross. The resurrection is proof that He is victorious over sin and death! If Jesus had only died but not risen, our faith would be meaningless (1 Corinthians 15:17).
What Does the Resurrection Mean for Us?
- Victory Over Sin and Death – Jesus’ resurrection proves that sin and death have been defeated. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 ”Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
- New Life in Christ – Just as Jesus was raised, we are spiritually resurrected and given a new identity in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:17 ”Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
- Hope of Eternal Life – Because Jesus lives, we have the assurance that we too will be raised to eternal life. John 11:25-26 “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'”
The resurrection is the foundation of our faith, giving us victory, transformation, and the promise of eternal life.
- How We Can Live for God’s Glory.
1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Jesus’ death and resurrection call us to live differently. We are no longer living for ourselves but for His glory.
- By Surrendering Our Lives – True discipleship means yielding every area of our lives to Jesus. Luke 9:23
“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'” - By Reflecting His Character – We are called to bear the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” - By Sharing the Gospel – The greatest way to glorify God is to lead others to Jesus. Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Living for God’s glory means surrendering, reflecting His love, and spreading His message. May He empower us daily!
- A Call to Salvation and Transformation.
Romans 10:9 – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Jesus died for you, but have you fully accepted His sacrifice? Salvation is a gift, but it requires a response.
Steps to Salvation:
- Believe – Trust that Jesus died for your sins and rose again.
- Repent – Turn away from your sins and seek God’s forgiveness.
- Confess – Declare Jesus as Lord of your life.
Encouragement.
Jesus died for you because of His great love. His sacrifice was not just for the world—it was personal. He saw your brokenness, your struggles, and your sins, and still chose the cross.
His death and resurrection offer us not just salvation but a new life filled with His grace and power. He calls us to walk in faith, to trust in His promises, and to live in the hope of eternity. No matter where you are in life, God’s love for you is constant and unchanging. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to strengthen, restore, and guide you each day.
If you have accepted Jesus, stand firm in His love. If you are still searching, know that He is calling you. His arms are always open, ready to embrace you. The greatest decision you can ever make is to follow Him wholeheartedly.
Conclusion.
God’s glory is not just something we wait to see in heaven. It is something we experience now, through salvation, through transformation, and through a life lived for Him. The cross is our reminder that love conquered sin, that mercy triumphed over judgment, and that Jesus’ sacrifice was enough.
As you walk forward in faith, remember that you are not alone. He walks with you, leads you, and will never forsake you. Let your life be a reflection of His love and may everything you do bring glory to His name.
Amen.
Closing Prayer.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. We acknowledge that we were lost in sin, but You sent Your Son to die in our place. Thank You for Your incredible love, grace, and mercy.
Lord, help us to live in the power of the resurrection, walking in righteousness and truth. Strengthen us to glorify You in everything we do. For those who have not yet accepted You, open their hearts to Your love and draw them into a relationship with You.
May our lives be a reflection of Your glory. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
Reflection.
Take a moment to reflect on what Jesus’ sacrifice means to you. How has His death and resurrection changed your life? Are there areas where you need to surrender more fully to Him?
Consider how you can live daily in gratitude for His sacrifice. Ask yourself:
- Am I living in the power of His resurrection?
- Do I truly believe that I am forgiven and free?
- How can I bring glory to God in my daily life?