What is passion? According to the dictionary it is defined as a feeling of great enthusiasm or excitement about something. The word passion originated from the Latin word "passio" which is closely related to the Greek root "path" or "to suffer." Passion describes an intense and strong emotional feeling. When we are passionate about something, we are consumed by that “something,” be it good or bad.
We know that the passion Christ had for us was good because without it we would all be condemned. He showed compassion toward us and died and rose again to give us freedom that we didn't deserve. So how can passion be bad? Simply put, sin. When we allow ourselves to follow sinful and lustful desires it is bad. According to Galatians 5:24 “They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” In other words, if you belong to Christ, the passions and desires of our sinful nature died with Christ on the cross, and we must not give in to them anymore. Do not give way to the works of flesh as Paul warns. But rather “walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Gal 5:16b). It is important as believers to be passionate about Christ above all else. Paul wrote in his letter to Timothy that there will come a time when people will no longer listen to the truth. They will follow their own desires and look for leaders who will tell them what they want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. These sinful desires and passions will lead to death, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 5:23).
Be honest with yourself; are you passionate about something or someone? Perhaps your passion is your favorite sports team. It could be your car, your home, or maybe even your job. Maybe your passion is your family. Most important of all, do you have a passion for Christ? How does He rate on your passion scale? Is He in your top ten? Can you truly say He is number one? Whatever your passion is, it takes top priority in your life above everything else.
Passion Week is more than just a week to remember Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. It is a time for all believers to reflect on the sacrifice that God and His son Jesus made for us, and the significance of that sacrifice. This wonderful week is a time to reflect on the enormity of the great sacrifice Christ made and His passion for us. The Bible tells us that “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5 KJV).
Can you imagine loving someone so much that you would go through a torturous death for them? Someone that not only did not love you back but despised you, rejected you, hated you, spit on you, beat you, cursed you, killed you? John 19:6 states “when the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.” Yet Jesus loved us so much that although innocent Himself, He chose to suffer that and more unto death by crucifixion for our redemption. He suffered to pay the price for my soul and for yours. His passion for us was so great that He didn't think twice when handed His assignment. He gave up His throne, His wealth, and His comfort to die for you and me. Just as Christ was passionate about his assignment, let us develop a passion for Christ and gain all that He has for us!