Rahab: “Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them—and that you will save us from death.”

“Our lives for your lives!” the men assured her. “If you don’t tell what we are doing, we will treat you kindly and faithfully when the Lord gives us the land.”
- Joshua 2:12-14

This passage contains a beautiful picture of the gospel. Can you see it?

Rahab showed courage and hid the spies. She put her neck on the line. She took the risk. And her family benefitted.

Rahab’s father and mother, her brothers and sisters, and “all who belong to them” didn’t do anything in the story. They didn’t distract the king. They didn’t kidnap the guards. They didn’t lead the spies through a secret tunnel. As far as we know, they had nothing to do with Rahab’s adventure. But they still benefitted.

Jesus also showed tremendous courage. He squared off against everything that’s broken in the world. Sin, death and the devil did their best to keep him down. He took everything they had and stayed the course. He didn’t just take a risk; he paid a price. He suffered humiliation, abandonment, and loss on the cross. And on the third day he rose again.

Who benefitted from Jesus’ death and resurrection? Who benefitted from Jesus’ courage? We did. Together we have life in his name. He watches out for us. He transforms us. He gives us purpose.

He showed courage. We benefitted.

Like Rahab’s family, we did nothing to contribute to the cause. We share in Jesus’ victory because we’re loved by him. He chose to call us his family. And we are blessed.

Take some time today to thank Jesus for his faithfulness and how we benefit daily from his courageous life, death, and resurrection.