Save Yourself
The crowd watched 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!” Luke 23:35-37 (ESV)
ME: I can’t save myself from anything! I get so frustrated.
JESUS: Well, I am pleased that you are talking to Me about this.
ME: I’ve just been so busy and I’m worn out and tired. I need You to save me.
JESUS: From what do you need saving?
ME: From myself! I make poor decisions that are costing me time and money. I can say some really dumb stuff! I’m a little off balance, and have been described as eclectic and frumpy.
JESUS: Yes, I know. What’s bothering you about that?
ME: I guess I want to do better and be more like You because You always seem to know what to do and when to do it. I don’t!
JESUS: That’s because I am Jesus and you are not. Pretty simple. Enough small talk. What is really bothering you?
ME: Okay, when You were in the wilderness for some alone time and the devil tried to tempt You, did You even have to think twice about it? Because You were human, did those temptations stir anything inside of You. I feel like temptation is all around me.
JESUS: That was not the plan. My Father had a much bigger plan that would and could involve all mankind. No, those were easy choices. Tell me about your temptations.
ME: Wait, please, I want to know something else. When they mocked You while you were on the cross and told You to save Yourself, why didn’t You?
JESUS: Again, precious child, that was not part of the plan of salvation and redemption. Now, what is it that is really bothering you?
ME: I have strong urges to give into temptations to spend money I don’t have. I am eating foods that aren’t healthy. And I still don’t know what to do about employment in August.
JESUS: Rest and relax in My presence. You also might consider including Me in on each of these issues. I am here for you day or night. And you are correct to say that you cannot save yourself from anything. That is why I came! You said that prayer at Bible study today: “…and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil…” Did you mean it or just recite it?
ME: …Oh Jesus, forgive me! Thank You for Your patience and for saving me from myself.