3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.”
3 For
The word “for” explains how Christ was other oriented rather than self-oriented (15:2).
even Christ did not please Himself;
Paul offered Christ as a motive for selfless living. Jesus is both the motive and model for our actions.
Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
2 Co 8:9, For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.
but [strong contrast] as it is written,
To support the idea that Christ did not please Himself, Paul quoted Psalm 69:9. Paul’s appeal to the Bible is an argument in itself; the Bible in and of itself terminates all arguments.
“The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.”
This quotation from Psalm 69 is from a Messianic Psalm (69:9). Seven verses from this passage are directly quoted in the New Testament. Jesus cited Psalm 69:4 of Himself. This reference shows the Messiah addressing the Father. Christ bore the insults of others because of His relationship to the Father.
David here lamented that God’s enemies were his enemies. Christ’s substitutionary death bore the reproaches of His enemies. Jesus willingly took these insults for the sake of others. The Father’s enemies were His enemies. The reason people hated Jesus was because He manifested the Father.
PRINCIPLE:
Jesus is the model for selflessness.
APPLICATION:
Christians are to act in the interests of others. Orientation to others is a core Christian principle. Christ Himself was an example of this principle (Phil 2:5-11). He bore the infirmities of the weak and submitted Himself to reproach. We need to follow His tenacity toward others.
Php 2:4-5, 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
