February 13
Matthew 27:32-66
What does power look like? How do we know whether someone is weak or strong? In the death of Jesus, we see that God’s view of power is very different from the world’s view. Those who watched Jesus’ death believed his crucifixion revealed weakness. While Jesus was on the cross, people mocked him for his seeming failure to fulfill his claims. The religious leaders also joined by saying though he saved others he was weak, because he could not save himself. Everyone thought if Jesus was powerful, he should reveal this through a miraculous act. Their failure was in misunderstanding power.
Jesus’ power was revealed in his willingness to stay on the cross, rather than calling down a legion of angels to save him, or ripping apart the wooden beams he was nailed to with the sound of his voice. These acts would have matched the world’s idea of power, but Jesus’ true power was shown in his death which seemed like weakness. Then the curtain was torn in two, there was an earthquake, and bodies of holy people "were raised to life" (v.52). That is a power that everyone can recognize. As we look to Jesus and a life conformed to his, we discover that power is shown in obedience, faithfulness, and submission, and not simply in miraculous acts. God’s power is different than the world’s power, so do not be afraid to suffer, serve, and surrender, because this is tapping into God’s power.
Father God, thank you for your power revealed in Jesus. Help me to walk in his type of power and not in the world’s. Amen.
How does Jesus' death on the cross enhance your understanding of real power?
What does power look like? How do we know whether someone is weak or strong? In the death of Jesus, we see that God’s view of power is very different from the world’s view. Those who watched Jesus’ death believed his crucifixion revealed weakness. While Jesus was on the cross, people mocked him for his seeming failure to fulfill his claims. The religious leaders also joined by saying though he saved others he was weak, because he could not save himself. Everyone thought if Jesus was powerful, he should reveal this through a miraculous act. Their failure was in misunderstanding power.
Jesus’ power was revealed in his willingness to stay on the cross, rather than calling down a legion of angels to save him, or ripping apart the wooden beams he was nailed to with the sound of his voice. These acts would have matched the world’s idea of power, but Jesus’ true power was shown in his death which seemed like weakness. Then the curtain was torn in two, there was an earthquake, and bodies of holy people "were raised to life" (v.52). That is a power that everyone can recognize. As we look to Jesus and a life conformed to his, we discover that power is shown in obedience, faithfulness, and submission, and not simply in miraculous acts. God’s power is different than the world’s power, so do not be afraid to suffer, serve, and surrender, because this is tapping into God’s power.
Father God, thank you for your power revealed in Jesus. Help me to walk in his type of power and not in the world’s. Amen.
How does Jesus' death on the cross enhance your understanding of real power?
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