“For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” Luke 9:56
Dear Ones:
It was when Jesus had set his face to go up to Jerusalem, knowing that the time was near for him to be “…received up,” that He was rejected by a certain village in Samaria. He had sent messengers before Him to this village “…to make ready for Him.” The rejection by the people had a powerful effect on James and John, who accompanied the Lord, so much so, that they asked Jesus: “Lord, wilt Thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elijah did?” (Luke 9:54) It is a remarkable question, especially in that these two disciples were jealous for the Lord, and were most certainly very offended by the attitude of the people. It is at this moment that the Lord, in sharp contrast to the attitude of the disciples would respond: “You know not what manner of spirit you are of.” (v.55) He then told them that, “…the son of man is NOT come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” Herein is the difference between the heart of the Savior and that of sinful man, even the “best” sinful man. Christ’s heart is selfless, always seeking the highest and best for all men, especially those who would oppose him, and eventually crucify Him. There was NOTHING of resentment, animosity, or self-centered projection in His dealings with all men. The perpetual attitude of His mind and heart was this: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10) So clear was His motive and purpose, that He would also declare: “…the Son of man came NOT to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matt. 20:28) What a contrast is the mind and heart of Christ, with that of His disciples! Christ’s words are the very expression of His heart and nature, disposition, and mind set. Love is what He WAS, and IS.
When Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him to what is called the mount of the transfiguration, His face shone as the sun, and His clothing was as white as light. Moses and Elijah also appeared talking with Him. This sight for the disciples was overwhelming, and they did not know what to do or say. However, Peter, being more ready to speak than the others, remarked to Jesus: “…Let us make here three tabernacles, or booths; one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (Matt. 17:4) Jesus did not rebuke Peter for his thoughts, and proposal, but there did come a voice out of heaven, that Peter would mention years later in one of his letters. The voice of the Father would say: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him.” (v.5) Why do we consider this event with respect to Christ’s mind and heart, as opposed to that of men, even the disciples? It is because in both circumstances, the issue is NOT what is of man, his thoughts, assessments, and motives. The great and all-pervading issue is that of God’s mind, heart, will, and purpose. The beloved Son has been given, not only that we might learn the truth of His disposition of His mind and heart, but that we might LIVE it. The Christian life is an exchanged life, our lives exchanged for Christ’s life, by the spirit. It is one thing to know the truth of the disposition of His heart; it is quite another to LIVE such a disposition in this world.
Dear Father, the contrast between our hearts and Yours is so vast, different, and often diametrically opposite. Open our eyes to see and understand Thy heart, by seeing Jesus in truth. By virtue of this great salvation, grant us to so abide in Christ, and He in us, that His life will be revealed in and through us. We thank Thee, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad