Introduction

A. Both in His life and in His death, Jesus showed a firm resolution and commitment to the mission He came to fulfill.

B. Jesus’ commitment should stand as an inspiration for us to remain committed to our very last breath (1 Peter 2:20-25).

I. Jesus’ commitment is evident in His planning.

A. Jesus said that His suffering was His very purpose for coming into the world (John 12:27; Matthew 20:28).

B. Jesus pointed out that the prophets had spoken of His suffering for centuries (Luke 24:25-26,44-48; John 5:45-47).

II. Jesus’ commitment is evident in His sacrifices.

A. He left equality with the Father to dwell among men (John 17:5,24; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Philippians 2:5-7; Hebrews 2:9).

B. He laid down His life for the lost sheep of the world (John 10:11,17-18; Luke 22:19-20; cf. Hebrews 10:5).

III. Jesus’ commitment is evident in His focus.

A. He was focused in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).

B. He was focused with the multitudes (John 6:15).

C. He kept His focus in Samaria (Luke 9:55-56).

D. He stayed focused in the garden (Matthew 26:52-54).

E. He showed great focus on the cross (Luke 23:45).

Conclusion

A. Jesus is the only Man Who ever perfectly led a life of self-denial (John 6:38), and yet at the moment when self-denial would have benefited Him physically, He confessed Himself (Mark 14:62).

B. Jesus promises that He will not be ashamed to confess us before the Father if we will not be ashamed of Him here (Mark 8:38).

C. Jesus has committed much to us, and in prayer and the Word we can find strength to live up to those commitments, just as He did.