Dying to Self

Save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross. […] He saved others; Himself He cannot save.—Matthew 27:40, 42

The people who watched Jesus die on the cross were typical human beings. If Jesus was God’s Son, they believed that it was logical for Him to focus on Himself. Any other course, to them, demonstrated that He was a fraud.

Ironically, these observers identified the one thing that made Jesus so different: He did not live to please Himself or to be rich, famous, powerful, or live a long life. He lived to serve the Father and deny Himself.

Jesus reminded them of principles found in nature, that the only way a grain of wheat can produce much grain is to fall into the ground and die. In a similar way, “He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life” (John 12:24–25). Jesus became our example.

He did have the power to save others, but that salvation was possible because He died on the cross. Because of His death, our sins can be forgiven, and we can live with Him forever! Because of His death, we can have victory and eternal life!

The world expects us to be self-centered. They do not understand any actions that are not based on this objective. But God wants us to live lives of sacrifice, service, and obedience to Him.

Today, recommit your life to serving God and living a life of sacrifice and service.

Reflection Question: What practical act of service can you complete this week?