Mockery

 "He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.
Matthew 27:42 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.27.42.ESV

Would Jesus's mockers have believed in Him if He had come down from the cross? No, because faith isn't forced. There's no compulsion in religion: people can't be forced to believe in something.

Jesus knew that even defeating death wouldn't cause everyone to trust in Him. He'd already raised Lazarus, and the religious leaders hateful plotted to destroy them. If people aren't defined by love of God, they're defined by hatred of Him.

The King of the Jews was largely rejected by His people. Yet to all who receive Him He gives the right to become children of God. Even Gentiles like me can be adopted into God's family.

On the cross, Jesus paid the price necessary to purchase us for God. We can become His precious possession, through faith in Christ. We can become vessels of the Holy Spirit of God, who conforms us to His likeness.

'Our Heavenly Father, please help us to truly believe in Christ for salvation. Please pour out Your Spirit upon us, in Christ's name we pray, amen'

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