Living for the Bigger Picture: The Trials
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Summary
When Jesus is arrested, He is questioned by the high priest and then by Pilate. Jesus stays silent except to affirm who He is. He didn’t fight back or try to defend Himself. He didn’t even acknowledge the false accusations against Him.
Jesus could have used these trials as moments to display His greatness and His glory, but He chose to remain silent to (1) fulfill Old Testament prophecy, and (2) accomplish the greater mission of going to the cross to serve as payment for our sins.
Paul encourages the church in Philippi to have the same mindset as Christ. That mindset being to consider others more important than ourselves, and to keep the bigger picture of God’s story in mind as we go through life.
Jesus could have used these trials as moments to display His greatness and His glory, but He chose to remain silent to (1) fulfill Old Testament prophecy, and (2) accomplish the greater mission of going to the cross to serve as payment for our sins.
Paul encourages the church in Philippi to have the same mindset as Christ. That mindset being to consider others more important than ourselves, and to keep the bigger picture of God’s story in mind as we go through life.
Application
As followers of Jesus, we are to be witnesses to the world, especially when things don’t seem to be going our way. We can choose to follow Jesus’ example, and show the world we’re living for the King of kings and His mission... or we can live for ourselves, for our own comforts, and our own agendas.
Questions to Consider
- How do you handle situations or accusations that are not in your favor?
- If you were on trial, would the evidence of your life convict you of living more for yourself and your own agendas, or living for Christ and His kingdom?
- There are always areas we can improve and submit to Jesus. Rather than living in an attitude of shame and failure, what steps can you take to submit an area of your life over to Jesus and how He would want you to live for Him and in His victory?
Prayer
Lord, I am sorry for the times that my reactions have not brought You glory. Please help me to rely on You to strengthen me in times of trial. Help me to remember that everything here fails in comparison to what’s in store when we enter into Your glory. I pray that my life would be a reflection of Your grace and mercy and in that, others will be drawn to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Written by Bryan Watts, Kid Minister
Posted in Passion Week
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