Scripture:
Matthew 27:39-40
39 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”
Observation:
Jesus is mocked by the passers-by. They bring up his claim to destroy and rebuild the temple in 3 days and challenge him to use this same “power” to save himself. Jesus does not answer back as he hangs on the cross. Jesus could have used his authority and power to save himself. Instead he chose to use it to save us.
Application:
People don’t always get it. I don’t always get it. What seems like a loss can be the biggest of wins. What seems like a win could be a loss. The final say on what is happening in our lives can only be seen through the lens of eternity. In this moment of Jesus’ life and ministry, this seemed for sure to be the biggest failure. However, we are looking face to face at the greatest victory. He uses his supernatural power and authority to save the mockers instead of himself. To save the guilty and not the only one who was innocent. To save people like me when he could of easily came off the cross and saved himself.
A few things…
-I can’t be too quick to judge my life and situations as good and bad. A win or a loss. In the lens of eternity, it could be much different.
-I must live in a spirit of thankfulness and gratitude because of this moment. Had Jesus saved Himself, I would have no hope.
-I must understand that what was accomplished through the cross is the privilege of having access to the presence of God, something I was on the outside looking in on before this. The temple is not in Jerusalem anymore; I am the temple and the presence of God lives in me. I have been made righteous through the sacrifice of Jesus and the Spirit of God dwells in me. I can know God because of this moment in history.
Prayer:
Father, please don’t let me take for granted the opportunity I have because of what Christ did. Thank you for saving a mocker like me. You did what you said you would do. For that I worship you!