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September 8, 2021

Matthew 27:35-44

When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews. Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

New International Version (NIV)

What did they fear? Fred Craddock told of a husband and wife who operated a Christian orphanage in another country. They came and arrested the man for telling the children about Jesus. He was a “dangerous enemy of the state.” For what? Feeding children and putting a roof over their heads. Dangerous?!

Roman soldiers not only crucified Jesus and divided his possessions. But they stayed and watched to make sure he died. Where did they think he was going? When we read the way they treated Jesus it makes us angry. Were they threatened by his unconditional love, forgiving them from the cross? Dangerous?!

I’ve read this text many times before. Am I the only one who thinks Jesus deserved better? I want to defend my Savior. I want Jesus to defend himself, at least. Then after the Lord died they posted guards at the tomb. What did they fear? Can we imagine a security patrol at a cemetery to keep the inhabitants inside?

Maybe they were right. Love incarnate may have been the most powerful force ever to step foot on this planet. He could have defended himself, but he died willingly. Jesus was our dying sacrifice so that we might offer our bodies as living sacrifices to God. He chose to stay on the cross and endure the ridicule of the passers-by who wagged their tongues at him.

We may someday face great persecution. Even now people disagree with Christians in hateful ways speaking unkind words. Jesus told us this would happen. So far we are not facing the persecution of our brothers and sisters who are denied access to universities or being killed for believing in Jesus. But if we faced this kind of persecution, would we be ready?

Jesus said to the church in Smurna, “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will put some of you in prison to test you. You will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful even to the point of death and I will give you life as your victor’s crown (Revelation 2:10). It could happen to us. Who should follow Jesus’ example? Only those who want to live forever.

Pray with me:
Father, help us to fix our eyes on Jesus today. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross scorning its shame. Now he sits at your right hand interceding for us. Lord prepare us for whatever suffering may come our way. Help us to live just as Christ died, willing to pay the price. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Scripture memorization for this week:

Luke 23:34

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

John 17:3

Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

New International Version (NIV)

Our 2021 Every Day with Jesus readings will follow the Foundations Bible reading plan. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy here:

2021 Reading Plan

We would love for you to join us as we read through the Bible in one year, while still having the flexibility of reading 5 days per week. In addition, I will continue my long-standing practice of reading one Psalm a day through the year. We will also memorize 2 scriptures each week. As we journal together this year, Robby Gallaty’s H.E.A.R. plan is a good resource: Highlight a verse that stands out to you, Explain what it means, Apply that truth to your life and Respond to what you’ve read with an action or prayer.

Joyfully,
Duane

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