“The Unselfishness of Jesus”


BIBLE READING: John 17                                                      

            Matthew records Jesus saying, “My soul is very sorrowful…” (Matthew 26.38).  Mark adds that Jesus was “greatly distressed and troubled” (Mark 14.33).  Luke takes it a step farther and says He was “in agony…and His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (Luke 22.44).  However, as Jesus is at possibly the weakest point of His ministry, He begins to beg the Father to let this cup of anguish pass from Him.  John… says nothing; he makes no mention of any sorrow, distress or agony.  Yet what John does record should be viewed as priceless to us today.  Where Matthew, Mark and Luke all record the events that led up to Jesus praying in the Garden, John records some of the words of the prayer.  As you read this portion of Scripture, remember these were the words that Jesus Christ uttered to the Father just moments before He was arrested and led away to be crucified.  The most interesting thing about this prayer is that while He was in agony and greatly troubled about the events that were about to take place, He is praying to the Father for us. When we think about Jesus’ willingness to go to the cross on our behalf, it seems even more impressive that as He is struggling within Himself about His struggles…He is more concerned about us.  How can He do that?  I think it is because that is what He has always done.  This attitude of Jesus is not anything that was new to Him.  His entire life on earth has been spent in putting others before Himself.  “Therefore, Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”  (Philippians 2:3-8)
Make sure you make a note to yourself… If Jesus was willing to be more concerned with me and my needs, while He is about to endure the pain and suffering of the cross, then rest assured, He is concerned with you now!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Colors of Christmas: Green

  Discussion:                                    Evergreen plants, like holly and mistletoe have been used for thousands of years to decorate and brighten up buildings during the long dark winter. They also reminded people that spring would come and winter wouldn't last forever! The Romans would exchange evergreen branches during January as a sign of good luck. The ancient Egyptians used to bring palm branches into their houses during the mid-winter festivals. In many parts of Europe during the Middle Ages, “paradise plays” were performed, often on Christmas Eve. They told Bible stories to people who couldn't read. “The Paradise Tree” in the Garden of Eden in the play was normally a pine tree with red apples tied to it. Today, think about the newness of life we have because we are in Christ. The old man could represent the dark winter and the barren trees. Then think of the bright Christmas trees that are so easily seen! … Help brighten someone’s life this week! Inform
Read more

“Prepare for Happiness”

  DISCUSSION:                                    Just recently we have seen the devastation that can result from hurricanes, earthquakes, and fire. According to the show on National Geographic channel “Doomsday Preppers” there are a lot of people over the country stocking up on supplies in the hope of being able to survive (months) a natural disaster or power grid failure. Many agree with this philosophy. Who could argue that it is a smart idea to be prepared? As a provider we should take reasonable measures to have our family prepared for hard times both mentally and physically. In this life, Christians have something more precious to protect than material things. Preparing our souls for eternity is much more important. We have been promised a gift that nothing can compare to, a home not made with hands (2Corinthians 5:1). So even if disasters come our way, we can be sure God will take care of His children. As a Christian we have a peace of mind from our faith in God’s word and beli
Read more

“Blow-out in Boston”

BIBLE READING: Luke 14 DISCUSSION                                                                                       Boston Globe's account in June 1990 of a most unusual wedding banquet… Accompanied by her fiancé, a woman went to the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Boston and ordered the meal. The two of them poured over the menu, made selections of china and silver, and pointed to pictures of the flower arrangements they liked. They both had expensive taste, and the bill came to $13,000. After leaving a check for half that amount as down payment, the couple went home to flip through books of wedding announcements. The day the announcements were supposed to hit the mailbox, the groom got cold feet. "I'm just not sure," he said. "It's a big commitment. Let's think about this a little longer." When his angry fiancé returned to the Hyatt to cancel the banquet, the manager could not have been more understanding. However, concerning the refund, she h
Read more