"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 that cross, and we will believe in Him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue Him now if He wants, for He said, 'I am the Son of God'. In the same way the robbers who were crucified with Him also heaped insults on Him." Matthew 27:41-44
When you were little, do you remember people taunting and tempting you? I can remember hiking with friends and discovering a new rope swing. Since this was "our" territory, I wondered who put it there. The rope was longer and thicker than we had ever used. The drop-off where it swung out was also much higher than I had ever seen. I thought, "Whoever put this up must be bigger, stronger and have more guts than me." I had no intention of trying it, until...
Until the leader of our little pack started the old chicken dare. That's the person who is a little off and has absolutely no fears (at least showing). He is the first to try anything but desperately needs the accolades of his cronies for his personal self-esteem. J.D. Creekpaum was that crazy individual in our clan.
After swinging out farther than I ever had seen, he handed the rope my way and said, "Come on, Jocoy, its your turn." Looking at him, I knew he meant business and looking at them, my reputation was a stake! Reading my eyes, he said, "You're not a chicken, are you?" I thought, "No!...Yes!" The rest is now history because I took the rope and swung, throwing all caution (and sense) to the wind and felt like a real man in the presence of my peers.
That was a stupid way to gain others respect (who knows what dare could have been next?). I am so glad that Jesus did not give way to the taunts of the chief priests. Did you read the above Scripture? He did save others and they knew it (enemies usually do know the truth, don't they?). Could He save Himself? Yes. But then, I would have been lost. Could God have rescued Him? Yes. But then, He could not have rescued me.
So, He had choice to make. Be a big man (and display His power) in the eyes of the people and elders and come off that cross or stay on that cross and endure the full weight of hell for you and be your Savior.
"Thank you Jesus for staying on that cross for us. Thank you for not having to look good in men's eyes so you could make us look perfect in Your Father's. In our eyes, You are the biggest and the best."
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