The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” (Luke 23:35-37, 39 NIV)
They had watched Him save others the whole time. From healing various diseases to raising the dead, no one was beyond help. But now, He hung on the cross too helpless to save Himself and others facing a similar fate. Was it over? Did the Saviour lose His power to save? Did the darkness overcome the light? Did evil triumph over good? Was it really over?
What seemed like the end was only the beginning. The Son of God was engaged in a spiritual battle that no one could see at the moment but which would determine our eternity. He was saving us, but from the things we didn’t think we needed. And two thousand years later, when we’re still crying out for salvation and wondering if He is able to save us, He shows up once again as the Saviour we need. Saving us from ourselves, sin and death.
Rising with the Son 