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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” Luke 23:35b

Listen: Luke 23

TODAY’S MESSAGE

As Jesus hangs on the cross, those around him hurl insults. In their minds, none were probably more witty or poignant than the ones about Jesus being the Christ. “Hey Jesus—if you’re the Christ, why can’t you just get yourself off that cross?” The idea of Christ (the Greek word for Messiah) as the chosen one was a big deal to the Jews. They had been talking about the Christ for over a thousand years. He was a special person. They thought the Christ was going to rescue them and restore them to political prominence in the world. Viewing this execution, Jesus appeared to be anything but a rescuer as he hung dying on a Roman torture device.

But Jesus was the Christ. When he died on the cross, he broke death because he came back to life. His rescue plan was not about a specific people or a specific time—but for all people and for all time. We need to pay attention to him because of who he is, the way he lived his life and how he defeated death. Jesus, the Christ, should be someone we listen to.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Consider a question Jesus asked his disciples. It is the most crucial question in the world and the first part of the safety check. He asked them “Who do you say I am?” Peter nails the answer. He says, “You are the Messiah [Christ], the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:15-16) In your journal, write that question: Who do you say I am? Then spend some time journaling your answer.

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.