Mark 10: (32-34) 35-45—The cross bears the fruit of eternal life. But at what price? Jesus clearly tells us, Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.
There are many loves we have in this life: family, work, church, country. The list is endless yet, our first love, our first priority must be to the Savior. Anything less is a violation of the First Commandment. The Father will honor the Son as He gave honor and obedience to the will of the Father. In following Christ we must acknowledge Him and follow in His ways. Christ is the one who willingly submitted to the will of His Father. It’s not all about you. Jesus proved this in His obedience and His trudge to the cross.
Jesus promises that the crucifixion would draw all men to him. People are to come to Christ not by force or persecution. They are drawn to Christ on the cross. The cross has a magnetism. It appeals to all men. The display of love, kindness, obedience and patience causes people to respond. To this day, this is our best method of bringing the world to Christ. It is preaching Christ crucifies. But how long is it going to take the cross to draw all men? Over 2,000 years only and one-third of the world is Christian. Is the answer in the words, “When I am lifted up”? 1
A Prayer in times of temptation: Almighty and everlasting God, through Your Son You have promised us forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. Govern our hearts by Your Holy Spirit that in our daily needs, and especially in all time of temptation we may seek Your help and, by a true and lively faith in Your Word, obtain all that You have promised; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. 2
Sources:
Illustration “The Crucifixion” is taken from a woodcut by Baron Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, 1794-1872, a distinguished German artist known especially for his book, The Book of Books in Pictures. © WLS Permission granted for personal and congregational use.
1. Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH
2. Collect for times of temptation, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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