Our Unwillingness vs. Jesus’ Willingness

In Daily Devotional by Paul D. Tripp

Theme of the Week: Light Broke Down

Bible Verse: “Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work” 2 Corinthians 9:7-8, CSB

Scripture Reading: John 5:31-47

One of the dark character qualities of sin that we don’t recognize as much as we should is unwillingness. We’re often unwilling to do what God says if it doesn’t make sense to us. We’re often unwilling to inconvenience ourselves for the needs of someone else.

We’re regularly unwilling to wait. We’re often unwilling to be open and honest. We’re too often unwilling to consider the loving rebuke of another. We struggle to be willing to say no to our own wrong thoughts and desires. We often struggle to be willing to answer God’s ministry call. Often we are unwilling to admit that we are wrong. Too often we struggle to serve willingly and to give generously. Unwillingness is one of sin’s powerful damaging results.

So here’s what the Christmas story is all about: a willing Savior is born to rescue unwilling people from themselves because there is no other way.

Jesus was willing to leave the splendor of eternity to come to this broken and groaning world. He was willing to take on human flesh with all its frailty.
He was willing to endure an ignominious birth in a stable.
He was willing to go through the dependency of childhood.
He was willing to expose himself to all the hardships of life in this fallen world.
He was willing to submit to his own law.
He was willing to do his Father’s will at every point.
He was willing to serve, when he deserved to be served.
He was willing to be misunderstood and mistreated.
He was willing to endure rejection and gross injustice.
He was willing to preach a message that would cause him personal harm.
He was willing to suffer public mockery.
He was willing to endure physical torture. He was willing to go through the pain of his Father’s rejection.
He was willing to die.
He was willing to rise and ascend to be our constant advocate.
Jesus was willing.

You see, it’s not just the Christmas story; rather, the entire redemptive story hinges on one thing—the eternal willingness of Jesus. Without his willingness, you and I would be without hope and without God. Without his willingness, we would be left with the power and curse of sin. Without his willingness, we would be eternally damned. During this season of celebrating, don’t forget to stop and celebrate your Savior’s willingness. His willingness is your hope in life, death, and eternity.


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About
Paul D. Tripp
Dr. Paul David Tripp is a pastor, event speaker, and a best-selling and award-winning author. With more than 30 books and video series on Christian living, Paul’s driving passion is to connect the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life. Paul launched his own ministry in 2006. He lives in Philadelphia and is hopelessly in love with his wife.
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Paul D. Tripp
Dr. Paul David Tripp is a pastor, event speaker, and a best-selling and award-winning author. With more than 30 books and video series on Christian living, Paul’s driving passion is to connect the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life. Paul launched his own ministry in 2006. He lives in Philadelphia and is hopelessly in love with his wife.