Pursue The Passion: A Devotional Based on the Film The Passion of the Christ

CHALLENGE

Pursue Prayer:  In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV it says  “Rejoice always, pray continually,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's  for you in Christ Jesus.”  Look at making a decision to take on a 30 day prayer challenge starting with your Bible in hand and a journal.  Pray that the Lord’s word will not only be living but be breathing new life into you as you read and begin to communicate with Jesus and others.  Commit to “Praying without ceasing” as you walk into a situation. Join Jesus in prayer and see your life begin to change.  See your purpose align with His will as you continue to pursue your passion for Jesus! 

DAY 7

PURPOSE

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” -  Philippians 2:13 NIV

Watch the video before you begin.

WHAT WE SEE IN THE FILM

In the final moments of the film, we see the glorious culmination of what Jesus’ purpose was all about -- His resurrection.  As the stone is rolled away and Jesus’ body rises from the dead, we see Him look up to God.  Then, as He leaves the tomb, we see His wounds are still visible.

In Luke 24:7 NIV it says  “The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.”  Jesus came to die for us, fulfilling his purpose, to take the sin of the world upon Himself so that each and everyone of us could spend eternal life with Him, holy and blameless.  He loved us so much that He would suffer everything we saw in the film, The Passion of the Christ -- the persecution, the beatings, the crucifixion, to have everlasting life with us.  His resurrection is our glory and the ultimate display of God’s grace.

PURSUE THE PASSION:  Christ’s resurrection is the glorious victory for every believer, that we will no longer be separated from God but we will now be able to live with Him eternally.  Jesus made us His priority, He fulfilled His purpose, dying on the cross for all of mankind. The validity of Jesus' claims about Himself rests on the Resurrection. And the Resurrection sets Christianity apart from all other religions, because no other has broken the power of death and conquered sin. By rising from the dead, Jesus proved His authority and power to break the bonds of sin and to assure forgiveness and eternal life to all who accept His gift of salvation.

WHAT WE LEARN FROM JESUS

Align yourself with God.  Sometimes our dreams are not what we imagined, but when we are aligned with God’s will and go after what’s on His heart, then we begin to get a clearer picture of how to pursue His passion which begins to align with our purpose. 

Make Jesus your purpose. When we make Jesus our number one priority, then everything will fall into place.  In this way we will follow God’s plan for our life, and it will bring us true happiness.  “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” -  Romans 8:28 NIV Remember it’s never too late, to make Jesus your purpose.

See yourself through God’s eyes. Often times we think we are unworthy or not good enough to carry out God’s purpose.  We settle and think this is the best we will ever be.  But God doesn’t see us that way.  Even when we think the task in front of us is too big, He will provide a way.  He NEVER calls you to anything that He doesn’t equip you for.  Again, you can see why the 7 Ps will help you tackle giants and inspire you to pursue a life with Jesus! “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” - Ephesians 2:10 NIV

QUESTIONS

1. In the film, Jesus sits up and is alive, restored and ready to leave the tomb.  What type of emotions stir in you when you see this beautiful, clear moment of the resurrection?  Did you shout for victory or maybe shed some tears knowing that this is the moment that His purpose was fulfilled for us? 
2. How is Jesus' resurrection real in your life?  If it doesn’t feel real, what can you do to make it so?
3. How would you share the resurrection of Jesus Christ with others?  Are you showing others your love for Christ by the life you’re living?