Jesus Chose the Cross

15 Apr Jesus Chose the Cross

Read Matthew 26:39 (NLT)
Thought for the Day: Jesus chose the Cross!

Jesus was (and is) no one’s victim. If we look at His death and call it ‘murder’, we cheapen what happened. During all times during His human life, Jesus of Nazareth was in full control of Himself. Everything that He did was His choice. Living life as both fully God and fully human, Jesus was no one’s victim. He chose the Cross out of love for each of us, His friends. After all, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

We must remember that even though the Cross was His choice, it was a terrible and difficult one. As Jesus sweated blood in the Garden, He prayed and contemplated the weight of His decision. Even in the midst of immeasurable agony and anxiety, Jesus did something amazing, He spoke a simple phrase: “Yet I want Your will to be done, not Mine.” Rather than seeing Himself as anyone’s victim, Jesus committed to following God, even knowing the terrible cost. Going to the Cross was not random. Instead, Jesus chose the Cross.

Jesus is the ultimate example of how each of us is asked to live our lives. We are no one’s victims. We have the incredible opportunity to accept His forgiveness and then follow His example of humility, service, and compassion. As Jesus’ disciples, we too are called to take up our own crosses and follow Him. Today, tomorrow, and forever, we always have a choice. Let’s use that choice to follow Jesus!

In Christ,
Pastors Stan and David