What Jesus Did! 'When Everyone Rejects You' — Matthew 27:41-44

Monday, December 18, 2017

The leading priests, the teachers of the law, and the older Jewish leaders were also there. These men teased Jesus the same as the other people. They said, "He saved other people. But he can't save himself! People say he is the king of Israel (the Jews). If he is the king, then he should come down now from the cross. Then we will believe in him. He trusted God. So let God save him now, if God really wants him. He himself said, 'I am the Son of God.'" And in the same way, the robbers that were being killed on crosses beside Jesus also said bad things to him.
— Matthew 27:41-44 NLT
Illustration of Matthew 27:41-44 NLT — "He saved other people."

Key Thought

Where do you go when everyone ... mocks you? ... hates you? ... ridicules you?
There was no place Jesus could run. There was no place to hide. He bore our sins under a flood of mockery and insults with no place to hide. He hung there, exposed before a sadistic and mocking mob in agony while his enemies hurled insults at him.
Why? Why was this necessary? Why did he withhold his power? Why did God allow it to happen? Why have the precious birth stories of a Messiah from heaven end in such agony and disgrace? Why?
Three very clear reasons:
1—he loves us and wants to save us;
2—he is obedient to his Father's will;
3—his blood is the only thing that can cover our sins.
In other words, he did it for you and me!

Today's Prayer

Father, I confess that I find it hard to believe that in the incredible expanse of the universe with all the billions of stars and people, that you know me and care about me enough to have Jesus die for my sins. I know that at times my love and dedication have been inconsistent and my faithfulness has been spotty and full of holes. But Father, I confess that every time I look closely at the Cross, at all Jesus had to face and all the grief he bore, I am drawn again to love you more and want to serve you more faithfully. Please forgive me for my sin and create in me a new and right heart made clean and pure by your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Isaiah 53:3-8
  • Hebrews 7:26-27
  • Psalm 51:17

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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