“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. “
Romans 5:16-17

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Christ died “at just the right time … while we were still sinners.” Christ died when we were lost, powerless to do anything that would bridge our separation from God. Our situation was hopeless, except for God. He saw my condition as a wandering ten-year-old, somewhat aware of God through church but having never heard of a personal relationship with Jesus.

Christ did not die for good people but for the ungodly, who, as we have learned previously, is everyone. He died for people who have no interest in God. He died for people who go to church regularly and for those who have never darkened the door of a place of worship. He died for the self-righteous and the unrighteous, who are one and the same. This is the amazing thing: God took the first step to redeem men and women, boys and girls, all of whom were intent on the pursuit of their own wellbeing and personal fulfillment.

Would you die for someone else? There are people whom some may deem worthy of giving their life. Certainly, a parent would give up their life for a child. There is a story of a soldier covering a hand grenade hurled by the enemy to save the lives of his comrades. But Jesus Christ gave up His life for those who were themselves the enemy. Nobody does something like that, except God. Jesus did so because of His love for us. He loves us so much that He laid down His life for us. There is no greater love. He acted on our behalf, while we were far from Him, looking the other way.

God does not force His love on anyone—yet He has provided the opportunity for redemption to all. The door leading to reconciliation with God is open, and He beckons people to come in. Some respond in faith, but many continue on the wide path to destruction. Those who enter the door do so on the basis of faith in Jesus. They are no better than those who pass by, but they have acknowledged their desperate need of redemption and cling to the One who forgives their sin.

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  •  Why is it significant that Christ died “at just the right time … while we were still sinners”?
  • For whom or for what would you be willing to give up your life?
  • How would you describe in your own words the kind of love that would cause a holy God to die for unholy people?

Church Reading Plan: Job 42; 2 Corinthians 12