Matthew 20:28 “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

When we had the parallel passage in Mark a little over a week ago the context of the crucifixion wasn’t quite as clear. Matthew makes it very clear indeed, talking about how Jesus had just been talking with the disciples about how He was going to have to suffer, die, and be resurrected, when James, John, and their mother came to ask Him for positions of authority. This last sentence says that our attitude is to be the same as that of Jesus, just like Paul said in Philippians 2:5. Jesus came to give, holding nothing back, and we should do the same. Our flesh fights against that, so we’ve got to remember that we are more than flesh, we are children of God by faith. (John 1:12-13) Passion Week is an excellent time to reflect on what it means that Jesus died and rose again, and then said, “As the Father sent Me, so I send you.” (John 20:20) Jesus never put Himself first, but rather submitted Himself completely to the Father, and we should certainly do no less. However, that’s far easier to say than to do! That’s why, in all humility, we need constantly to be seeking the guidance and empowering of the Holy Spirit, so that we will live out our commission faithfully.

I tend to focus on the reality that Christ is risen and at the right hand of the Father, but I must not forget all that He went through on the way there, and that He did it for me. The old hymn, “Lead Me to Calvary” is excellent in that regard. If I will keep in focus what He did for me, everything He asks of me will seem appropriately small and insignificant in comparison. As much as I tell others to focus on Jesus instead of their problems, I’m not consistent in that myself! An objective analysis of my life in the context of the cross shows that I live on Easy Street! I must not preach to others and then fail to follow through myself.

Father, thank You for Your incredible love for me in sending Your Son to be my Savior. Lord Jesus, thank You for Your incredible love and endurance in going through all You did to purchase me from sin. Holy Spirit, thank You for Your presence and infilling, working out in and through me all the blessings of the cross and the empty tomb. Lord God, may I be faithful and totally committed in my response to You in all Your love and glory. So that Your love and grace may be expressed through me to bring many more to salvation, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!