10 March 2026
The Christian life always begins with Christ. Not our effort. Not our strength. Christ Himself. In his sermon on Romans 15:1–13, Mark Penrith brings us to the heart of the passage with a striking reminder. “For even Christ did not please himself” (Romans 15:3). Mark Penrith presses the point with simple force. “Think on that. The Son of God. The one who made all things. The one eternally delighted in the Father’s presence. Jesus Christ did not please himself.” The eternal Son chose sacrifice. He laid aside His rights. He walked the path of self-denial for sinners like us.
Paul then anchors this truth in Scripture. He writes, “On the contrary, as it is written, The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me” (Romans 15:3). Mark explains what this means. “Paul reaches back to Psalm 69. David is a shadow. Christ is the substance.” The reproach aimed at God fell upon the Son. Mark describes it plainly. “All the insults hurled at God by all sinful men. The blasphemy. The contempt. All land on His Son.” Christ absorbed what we deserved. He bore the weight of human rebellion.
This truth exposes the depth of the gospel. Jesus did not merely tolerate sinners. He suffered for them. Mark says it clearly. “Every curse you deserved. Every slight your sin provoked. It fell on Him.” The Son pleased the Father by rescuing the guilty. “Because He did not please himself. He pleased the Father by saving you.” This is not abstract theology. It is the foundation of Christian living. The gospel does not simply forgive us. It transforms how we treat others.
If Christ bore insults for us, how can we refuse to bear inconvenience for others? The pattern is unmistakable. Mark says, “But the way of Christ is different.” The world uses power for comfort and honour. Christ used His strength to serve. The cross shows us what love looks like when it costs something.
This truth presses into ordinary moments. Someone irritates you. Someone disagrees with you. Someone disrupts your plans. In those moments we remember the example of Jesus. He did not choose comfort. He chose sacrifice. Mark reminds us again of the pattern we follow. “Christ did not please himself.” And because of that, His people learn to serve instead of demand.
The gospel reshapes the way we respond to frustration. Instead of pride, we choose patience. Instead of retaliation, we choose grace. Instead of pleasing ourselves, we follow the One who gave Himself for us.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You did not please Yourself but bore our reproach. Teach us to follow Your pattern of humility and sacrifice. Help us respond with patience and grace today. Amen.