He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.
— Isaiah 53:3
Long ago, a wise and good king ruled in Persia. He loved his people, so he wanted to know how they lived and about the hardships they faced. To do this, he would often dress in the clothes of a working man or a beggar and go to the homes of the poor. No one whom he visited knew he was their ruler.
On one occasion, he visited a very poor man who lived in a cellar. He ate the coarse food the poor man ate. He spoke cheerful, kind words to him. Then he left. Later, he visited the poor man again and disclosed his identity by saying, “I am your king!”
The king was sure the man would surely ask for a gift or favor, but he didn’t. Instead he said, “You left your palace and your glory to visit me in this dark, dreary place. You ate the coarse food I ate. You brought gladness to my heart! To others you have given your rich gifts. To me you have given yourself!”
Just like that Persian king, the King of Glory—Jesus Christ—gave Himself to you and me. He lowered Himself to be born as a baby in dark, dreary Bethlehem. He ate the food we ate, and died on the cross in our place. Worship Him as King today and give Him thanks for giving Himself to you!
Prayer Challenge
Thank God today for sending Jesus to live like an ordinary person and that He gave His life for you.
Questions for Thought
What does it say about the value God’s placed on your life that He sent King Jesus to earth for you?
How can you declare this wonderful truth to others in your life this Christmas season?