Offensive words (4) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

He saved others; himself he cannot save.
Matthew 27:42.

Offensive words (4)
On Monday we considered the first part of the verse above, but we need to comment on the second part, too. "Himself he cannot save." Is that true? By no means! Jesus Christ is the Son of God, Israel's King, the chosen One of God (cf. Luke 23:35). He possesses "all authority in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18) and is the Creator and Upholder of all persons and things. This He had proved only a few hours before, when they tried to arrest Him, and He said simply, "I am he" (John 18:6). They had withdrawn and fallen to the ground.

He would not (not "could not") save Himself. Our salvation depended on His sacrifice. He hung on the cross, because it was announced in the Old Testament scriptures, which had to be fulfilled (Matthew 26:54); and also because He was obedient to His God and Father; He "became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:8). Finally, it was because He loves us that He came to seek the lost (Matthew 18:11). As the Good Shepherd, He laid down His life for the sheep (John 10:15).

We were on His heart 2,000 years ago, and because He did not save Himself, salvation is still available for all. What infinite love He has towards the lost, that He was prepared to sacrifice Himself in such a humiliating way for our salvation!

(to be continued on Monday)

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 22:1-12 · Revelation 9:13-21