Matthew 27:41-43 -
In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. 42"He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, 'I am the Son of God.' "Observations/Applications: Of all the examples Jesus set for us while He was on earth in the form of man, this is my favorite.
If Jesus had called angels to save Him from the cross, yes, many people at that time would have believed.
BUT, He would have sacrificed salvation for everyone for all eternity for the single moment. The temporary benefit would have been so miniscule ... if benefit at all ... because Jesus' ultimate mission would have failed.
My prayer: God, THANK YOU for Your Son, His sacrifice, His example of faith, discernment and obedience.
Jesus knew You asked Him to stay focused on the cross, obedient to carry that out. Help me to know exactly what YOU are asking me to do and WHEN you want me to do it. 
Show me my cross ... and help me to be patient enough to allow things to unfold in YOUR time, not mine. (I so don't want to be Veruca Salt.)
God, help me not to be distracted by what man is asking me to do. Focus me on the ultimate obedience for long term investment.
Give me discernment to know what Your long term mission is for my life and what I need to do and not do on a day-to-day basis so I don't get distracted from that mission. Focus my actions on Your will, not man's recommendations. Amen.
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