Saving Yourself

Reading: Luke 23:35-38

"If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" Luke 23:37
From the days of Israel's first great monarch, King David, the rule for the ruler -- God's rule for
the ruler -- was not to save yourself. The assignment was just the opposite. Remember how
David got into royalty?
He was last in line in Jesse's big family. When none of his big brothers passed the test, the
prophet asked if there were any more boys. "Oh, yes, there's the youngster out with the sheep.
But he's no palace material." Well, it turned out he was. His fieldwork had prepared him to be
King of Jews.
Here's how. When the wolf, the lion, the rustler zero in on the flock, it's the shepherd's job to see
to it that the sheep stay alive, even if it should mean that he does not. Jesus' own words in John's
gospel have always been the job description: "The good shepherd lays down his life for the
sheep." David was never quite that good. But Jesus is.
Since he really is the last in David's line, the words "save yourself" are a temptation. He must
say No. The truth is that because he is this King of the Jews, he cannot save himself. Saving us
is his calling. He cannot save himself and still be King of the Jews.
Pilate doubtless wrote "King of the Jews" and put it over him for ridicule. But he wrote the
truth. He saves others, that's why he cannot save himself.
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for saving us by sacrificing yourself. Put your shepherding spirit into
us to be your sub-shepherds with those who surround us in daily life. Nourish us by your self giving
to lose ourselves for the welfare of others. Amen.

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