Luke 23:34
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Jesus’ thoughts and His desires were never selfish. His cry from the cross was to forgive the ignorant sinners who had gotten Him there, not a cry of, “Father, save me.” He refused to call down the host of heaven to take Him down from the cross or stop the crucifixion from happening in the first place. He didn’t ask for anything for Himself, only for God’s will to be done and His name to be glorified, for others to be released from their condemnation and freed from bondage.

May we have the same kind of attitude in our lives, as well. May we have a heart of mercy even in the midst of cruel pain. May we show grace to others who refuse to show grace to us. May we not think only of our own deliverance, but desire much more the deliverance of others. May our hearts and minds be turned outward, away from self and selfishness, away from getting what we want at any cost and instead giving our all for others.

At the heart of it, Jesus wanted people to be saved from their sins more than He wanted to be saved from the cross. Maybe our obedience to God has led us up some hill with a cross on our back, a burden, some kind of suffering, and we’re wondering how we got there and why. Maybe we’re begging to be rescued when we should be begging God to work through us and use what we’re dealing with to reach into the hearts of those who need a Savior. Maybe our experience is for God’s glory alone and has nothing at all to do with us and what we want.

One thing Jesus Christ was more than anything else was selfless. He took time for others. He made them feel valued and worthwhile. He showed compassion in meaningful ways. He taught, He led, He worked hard, and then He gave and gave and gave. He gave everything He had for everyone else. We don’t have to die for anyone else, but we can give our lives in service to God and service to others. So let us seek in our lives to be like our selfless Savior, giving all, concerned for others, and obedient to the Father.