“But the LORD was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief; if He would render Himself a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand.” (1)
The disciples stood near, heart-broken by the agonizing pain they witnessed in Christ’s cruel crucifixion. His brutal death baffled them. Stunned and confused, they watched what they couldn’t believe happen. They questioned, “Wasn’t Jesus to become the future King and leader of Israel?” What a paradox when the King of Kings suffered and died!
Notwithstanding, our Lord suffered for a higher goal…man’s redemption; He kept His focus set looking beyond the immediate suffering…whose destiny was for His ultimate glory. Jesus’ eyes were fixed on God the Father’s plan of salvation – His mission; “supremacy” to rule in the hearts of man. If Jesus’ followers had only understood His true mission on earth was to save people…not to rise into power to take kingship, during that time.
Jesus greatest glory was far more majestic! A glorious crown of a higher rank reserved in heaven was at hand, where He would be exalted with honor and glory forevermore. Thus, He would magnify His own glory.
What Christ paid on the cross for us was even a greater paradox. The Lord of glory, who is the brightest display of the Father’s glory, came to earth to suffer and die so we might live forever with Him. Christ left heaven where He was worshiped and adored in highest praise – to humble Himself to be born man. Dying for us poor sinners, that we might stand justified, before God the Father and receive life. How do you come to grip with this mystery?
Think about the lists of sins which Christ has freed you from. Ponder His great Love. Will you worship in holy awe for how He stood in your stead? May this cause us to worship in holy awe for how He stood in your stead?
“For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings.” (2)
Jesus the Caption of our Salvation is our great leader. He shows us how to submit, obey, and to magnify God the Father. Evil was allowed too momentarily reign…for a grandeur purpose in bringing countless thousands of saints to glory. Thousands of thousands will sing eternal praise forever to our King of glory. All glory to Him. This is our God!
Lord, You became the greatest sacrifice ever known to man by dying for them. What great love You displayed. Thank you for becoming the sacrificial Lamb that was slain for the remissions of sin. Let me live in You, in wondrous liberty and freedom because of what You have accomplished. Amen.
Footnotes:
1. Isaiah 53:10
2. Hebrews 2:10
All Scriptures taken from nas
Addressing Crisis Together Ministry 
So beautiful. Thank you Kim.
May you and your family be filled with God’s blessings, Mindy.