He Stayed

 Jesus was mocked by onlookers at the cross because he stayed.

And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!"  The soldiers also mocked him coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save youself!"  Luke 23:35-37

 Both Jews and Gentiles had no idea what they were saying.  If Jesus saved Himself, there would be no hope for them to be saved.  He had the power but He stayed.  And showed His love for all creation.  He used His power for our good.  Making the way of salvation and redemption...for those who scoffed and mocked Him.

And then there is this:

"I'm  reminded of how selfless and loving Jesus is, staying on the cross when He had the power to come down...and that is how we are to love one another"

...ouch.

In talking with a friend about what good, loving friendships and relationships look like, this was the conclusion I came to.  And what does it mean exactly for me to stay on the cross for other people?

It's a completely selfless love.  It's not about my good but the other person's.  It's using the talents, gifts and authority that God has given me on the behalf of others for their sake.  It's letting the Holy Spirit in me move and do what I cannot, because I am ready to run the other direction.

He stayed and I know what it is to be loved.  He stayed and I can only be amazed that all His power was used on my behalf.  Tomorrow will come and stress will ebb and flow, but joy overflows... because He stayed