Pastor Toni Henry | Kingman Church of the Nazarene | April 6, 2025 Lent Week 5
In this powerful message, Pastor Toni Henry explores the profound theme of sacrifice in the Christian life—beginning with the complete and sufficient sacrifice of Jesus Christ and extending to the call for every believer to walk in costly discipleship.
Jesus’ sacrifice stands at the center of our faith. As Philippians 2:6-8 (NASB) declares: “who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
This was no partial offering. Christ’s self-emptying humility and obedience unto death fully redeem us. No additional work is required for salvation. He is also our empathetic High Priest who understands our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15-16, NASB): “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.”
Pastor Toni illustrated true sacrificial courage with the story of World War II hero John Robert Fox, who deliberately called artillery fire onto his own position to stop the enemy advance, laying down his life for others. In the same spirit, Jesus endured the cross, scorning its shame, and calls us to follow.
Discipleship, however, carries a real cost. Drawing from Luke 14:25-33 (NASB), Pastor Toni explained that Jesus requires us to prioritize Him above every other relationship and possession. The Greek word miseō (often translated “hate”) is best understood in context as “to love less”—a call to place Jesus first above family, plans, and even our own lives. True followers must count the cost, take up their cross daily, and surrender all.
This sacrificial life is not grim duty. When we are crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20, NASB)— “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me”— we discover deep, abiding joy in selfless service.
As Pastor Toni reminded us: “Sacrifice takes courage, it takes conviction, and it takes confidence, but it is all worth it.”
May we respond to Christ’s complete sacrifice by living as His fully committed disciples—humble, surrendered, and joyful in the privilege of following Him.