Our Savior demonstrated humility and selflessness in His choice to descend to earth and live as a man (Phil. 2:5-8). He did not make this choice to gain wealth, popularity, or earthly power (cf. John 18:36). Rather, He chose to sacrifice His own comfort and thereby make our salvation possible.
Even before the events surrounding His death, Jesus did not have what many would consider a pleasant life. He was at times homeless (Luke 9:58), and often rejected (John 6:66).
Especially painful suffering is seen, though, in Jesus’ death and the events leading up to it. Jesus endured excruciating physical and mental anguish. Matthew 27:26 speaks of His scourging. Verses 27-30 go on to speak of Him being mocked, spit upon, and smitten on the head. Verse 31 says that He was then led away to be crucified.
Those who delivered Jesus up to die “found no cause of death in Him, yet asked they of Pilate that He should be slain” (Acts 13:28). Their motive was envy (Matt. 27:18). Jesus’ opponents demonstrated despicable hatred.
On God and Christ’s part, however, the cross was a perfect example of love (Rom. 5:8; 2 Cor. 5:14).
May we appreciate this, and give our lives to the One who gave His life for us.
– Michael Hickox