Unlimited: Christ Did Not Please Himself

Nov 3, 2023 813

For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me” (Romans 15:3).

Paul has been telling us that we should not please ourselves, but rather to work for the good of others. The great example which he gives us is Christ.

In the book of Hebrews, we are given a glimpse of the pre-incarnate Christ, as he considers his coming to this earth, just before Bethlehem:

I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—
I have come to do your will, my God.’ (Heb. 10:7, quoting Ps. 40:6–8, Septuagint.)

We should not please ourselves. The great example which Paul gives us is Christ.

The specific words that Paul uses in Rom. 15:3 point us to the Cross. It was in that context that Jesus prayed,

Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done (Luke 22:42.)

Paul isn’t talking about Christians living miserable lives of deprivation. Not at all! Instead, he is referring to our relationships with others. The specific context here is that, as those whose faith is strong, we should be willing to forego our freedom in Christ to participate in those things which may cause offense to those whose faith is weak.

Paul is referring first and foremost to our relationships with others. He uses the example of Jesus, who lived a life of self-sacrifice and of service to others.

Spiritual Application

Consider your relationships with those outside of your immediate family. Are you more of a “taker” or a “giver”?

– Eliezer Gonzalez

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