What Jesus Did! 'Right Titles, Wrong Hearts' — Luke 23:35-39

Thursday, December 21, 2023

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The crowd watched [Jesus' crucifixion] and the leaders scoffed. "He saved others," they said, "let him save himself if he is really God's Messiah, the Chosen One." The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. They called out to him, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" A sign was fastened above him with these words: "This is the King of the Jews."

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, "So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself — and us, too, while you're at it!"

— Luke 23:35-39 NLT

Key Thought

Isn't it amazing how the mocking crowd, the scoffing leaders, the cruel soldiers, and the sarcastic criminal on the cross nearby all call Jesus the right thing, but they say it in derision and don't put their faith in him? Yes, God can have even the devil himself confess the truth about Christ and the devil's minions did so, [1] but it takes a seeking heart to believe, follow, and be saved. The truth is there if your heart is seeking. Jesus is the one who saves, he is God's Chosen One, he is the Messiah, and he is King of the Jews. We know his identity, but the real questions are whether or not he is your Lord and mine!

[1] Luke 4:33-34.

Today's Prayer

Father in heaven, I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord. I trust that he died for my sins. I believe that he could have come down off the cross but instead chose to suffer death for me and then was raised to life for my salvation. In Jesus, I put my trust. Thank you in his name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Philippians 2:5-11
  • Romans 4:23-25
  • Philippians 1:18-22

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 23:35-39 NLT — "So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself — and us, too, while you're at it!"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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