The Savior that didn't save Himself

“And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, ‘Aha, You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself, and come down from the cross!’” (Mark 15:29-30).

Those who said this had no idea that the One they were mocking had the power to come down from the cross. Not only that, but Jesus could have called twelve legions of angels to destroy the world and render vengeance on those who crucified Him (Matthew 26:53). If He could have saved Himself, then why didn’t He? Jesus made it clear that He didn’t want to die when He said to the Father while He was in the Garden, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39). It is clear that Jesus did not want to do what He did, but, nevertheless, was willing to do His Father’s will. Paul shows us this idea in Philippians 2:8: “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Jesus became obedient, which simply means He fulfilled His Father’s will.

It is clear that Jesus had the power to save Himself. It is also clear that He didn’t want to do what He did. Nevertheless, this didn’t stop Him from showing His love in laying down His life for us. In doing so, He became the Savior of the world and gave us the chance to obtain eternal life if we believe and obey. Because of this, we should be ever thankful that Jesus Christ is our Savior, the one who saved us, and not Himself.

Jonathan Glaesemann