Yoma 19b - Tzeduki and mesiras nefesh

"The Tzeduki said [to his father], 'All my life I have been bothered by the verse, "In a cloud I shall appear on the kappores." I said, when will I get the chance and I will fulfill it [properly, in his benighted opinion]. Now that I have the chance, shall I not fulfill it?' "

Now see the last words of Rabbi Akiva, להבדיל אלף הבדלות, to his students:

Can someone explain this to me? Why would the gemara report these with the exact same words?

Mesiros nefesh is written into the soul of the Jew from Avraham Avinu, the question is how you use it. Isn't that what we have seen through the ages for Jews who have given their heart and soul for their causes.

Good Shabbos!

Wonderful. Thanks!