Our scripture this week is Luke 23:33-43.
The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”
Luke 23:35-37
It must have been emotionally painful to Jesus to hear this. He is the King and He can save Himself…but He chooses not to because God has a plan and Jesus obeys. Even the pain and agony of crucifixion can’t break His connection to the Father.
Jesus has been tempted to use His power wrongly before. Immediately after His baptism He went to the desert to fast and pray. Satan came to Him and attempted to trick Him into using the gifts God had given improperly (Matthew 4:1-11).
Then as now, Jesus was obedient, even unto death. We may never be called to endure a trial such as this, but our obedience is tested every day by worldly things. Stand with Jesus and He will stand with you against all evil you encounter.
Gracious God, we are weak but Jesus is strong. Help us to trust in all He has taught us and to turn away from sin. Amen.