For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps.
- 1 Peter 2:21
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
- Philippians 2:5-8
For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmites; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
- Hebrews 4:15-16
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The sufferings of Christ provide His Church with an instructive example. The depth and glory of Jesus' unfailing love can be most clearly witnessed in the greatest of His sufferings - at Gethsemane, Gabbatha, and Golgotha. A visiting minister once stated the following to a child of God, who was experiencing great suffering and confusion after a recent tragedy in her family. "My dear friend, you are perplexed why God would allow this deep trial to take place. Remember, when the night is the darkest, the stars are seen to shine the brightest." What did the minister mean by this statement? How was this statement true in the life of Abraham, Daniel, and Christ?  A certain nobleman once visited a factory in northern England, where costly china was being produced. He was amazed at the great deal of black color painted on the china before it went into the kiln. Upon asking why, he was told, "It is black now, but it will be gold when it comes out of the fire." How does this story illustrate a lesson to be learned from Christ's example and from the lives of His children? The sufferings of Jesus not only provide true believers with an instructive example, they also speak of a rich comfort. |
