Deeper Life #357

And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.

—Luke 23:37

THE SHAME OF THE GOSPEL is its unwillingness to answer its critics. The Christian is at loss to think that, when Jesus hung upon the cross, men said, “He saved others, Himself He cannot save.” But Jesus had no answer. Jesus was concerned, not about what mankind thought of Him, but to do what God had sent Him to do.

The shame of the gospel is increasing in this church age. The church becomes discouraged when it stands up for Jesus, and finds Jesus turning to heal the breach it made with the world. Yet Jesus is more concerned with redeeming the world than with preserving a good reputation. That draws criticism, yet Christ remains silent in the face of His critics.

Prayer Thought: Impressing others is not my goal, Lord. I am willing to pay the price of shame in order to serve You.

SUGGESTED READING: Luke 23:34–45