Matthew 27:32-66 - Everything He had taught about, everything that He claimed to be, everything that the people had hoped for was on display that day on the cross. Of course they didn't see it that way; after all their eyes were fixed on a coming conquering king, not a dying servant.
What do you look for in Jesus? Do you look to Him to be the one to fix it all? Do you look to Him to make life easy? To squash those that oppose you? You know I lived a lot of my life looking for something and blaming God when it wasn't there. How about you?
You know friends, the true definition of leader; is SERVANT. Serving and being a servant is what brings joy. Hebrews 12:2; "For the joy set before him He endured the cross". You see the joy of a true servant is not power; the joy of a true servant is not control; the joy of a true servant is not acclaim; the joy of a true servant is not in comfort or ease; and, of course, the joy of a true servant is not in position. What gives a servant joy, in being a servant, is 'SERVICE'.
But you see; service is unnatural for us. We love to be known as servants but we don't always love to serve. Jesus was a servant, for He loved to serve those for whom He came into this world for. Matthew 20:28; "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." To give one's life away is the highest form of servant leadership. Exactly what Jesus was doing on that cross -- fulfilling everything He said, everything He was, everything we hoped He would be. But is that what you really want from Him?
Friends, the best thing that has ever happened to us, is Jesus going to the cross. Without the cross there would be no grave; without the grave there would be no resurrection, without the resurrection; you and I would never have the opportunity to experience -- not what we want, but exactly what we need. True LIFE!!!!
Life given to us by a dying KING. Life given so that we could give our lives also. If you're holding onto what this world offers you by serving (praise and prestige) then friend you are not a servant; you are a scam. I know that sounds harsh, but the life of servant is self sacrifice. Jesus said; “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." ~ Matthew 16:24. That's your cross; die to yourself and follow Him. Again not what we really want but exactly what the world needs us to be.
Like Jesus, we will not always fit the image that the world wants us to fit; but through our service we will fit uniquely into the image of our Savior.
God bless you today my friends as you seek to lay down your life for Him.