Monday, May 8
Save yourself!
Scripture: Luke 23
Luke 23:35–37 The people also stood there watching, but the rulers ridiculed him, saying, “He saved others. Let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, his chosen one!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!”
Observation
The rulers and soldiers mocked Jesus, saying, “If you are the Christ, save yourself! You saved others; save yourself!”
They didn’t know that Jesus could have saved Himself, but chose not to.
He told His disciples that He could call on His Father who would send 12 legions of angels to defend Him (Matthew 26:53). He could have saved Himself, be He chose not to.
Why?
Because He wanted to save me and you. He chose us over Himself.
This is the meaning of the new commandment in John 13:34 “I give you a new commandment—to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” The old commandment said love your neighbor as yourself. The new commandment says love your neighbor more than yourself, for that is how Jesus loved us.
Given the choice between saving Himself and saving you, He chose you. He loved You more than Himself.
Application
First, I feel deep gratitude for the love of God that chose me above Himself. I want to live out that gratitude today.
Second, I want to love people sacrificially, the way Jesus did, putting others before myself, loving others more than myself.
Prayer: Lord, I love You! It’s simple to say “love others more than yourself” but it’s hard to do. Help me! Fill me with Your love and help me love like Jesus loved.
More: 1 Samuel 15-16, Mark 8