Jesus Suffered Great Pain That We Might Have Life Eternal
This Easter Season is a wonderful time to reflect on the true nature of Christ and the importance of His atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world’s. (1 John 2:2) The Bible has much to say about our Lord and Savior. He is God’s only begotten Son (John 3:16). He is also referred to as “The Word”, the means by which God instructs His people in the world. But, more than that; in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. (John 1:1-3)
Though some have attempted to erase His Divine Status and the role He plays in our salvation, by adding works to “His finished work on the cross”, which appeals to man’s pride and his desire to be in control.
Nothing changes the reality of who He is. He is the great “I AM”. He was the one who brought light into this World. He has been there since before the beginning of time, before the beginning of what we know as our universe. He created this world, and everything in it.
The world does not belong to the prince of this world, meaning Satan, his rein is only temporary. (John 12:31). The world was not Satan’s to give away, which Jesus knew when Satan failed miserably to tempt Him with his false promises in the wilderness. He whom is begotten of the Father, is who was sent to give His “earthly life” that we might be accounted as perfect at our own final accounting.
Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus provided the perfect example for us, and we all need to do our best to follow His example in our day to day lives. He is the ultimate role model for us, and we should strive to be more Christ -like every day. In order to do this, we need the help of the Holy Spirit to more closely follow that perfect example.
This brings us to Peter’s point in his first epistle, when he wrote: “Christ serves as a perfect example for the conduct of our lives. He conducted His ministry as examples for us to follow in our times of trial and tribulation, that we might see His light in our darkest moments. (1Peter 2:21-25) He who is, was, and always, will be perfect; suffered great pain that we might have life eternal. If He did that for us, should we not follow that example and follow His direction? He himself went through great suffering so that the miracle of His Resurrection would occur.
Jesus said: “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man”! The Son of Man refers to His identity as the Messiah and His role in redeeming humanity, and is not necessarily used as a biological term.
We are after all very much like lost sheep, at times following the lead of those around us. We all are in need of a “Good Shepherd” to lead us back from the edge of the cliff and to life; back to those green pastures and still waters. This Shepherd will never fail to lead us in the way we should go, we just have to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit and follow the path that He has set for us. Jesus is referenced as the “Good Shepherd” many times in the Bible because He leads, restores, and provides comfort to our bodies and souls.
In order for us to obtain spiritual growth, we need to pray, read His Word, and follow His lead. We also need to accept His Teachings and then be a “doer of the Word”. Continually reading the Scriptures and not only reading, but studying is the best way to grow as a Christian. St Paul told Timothy: “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)
We have to apply the key principles of the scriptures in our lives and shine the light of Christ to those around us. Always remember that our “Good Shepherd” is not just a hireling, but a Savior who loves and cares for us and has given His Life so we might be protected from the ravening wolves of this world. St. Peter cautioned us to: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Peter 5:8)
Jesus, the Good Shepherd says: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me”. So, all we need to do is follow! There are many ways to follow Christ, but we all need to be on the same page with the same general beliefs. That is the main reason for the Creeds we recite during our worship services. God’s people state what they believe, confess their sin, and profess their faith in Christ, all by the power of the Holy Spirit.
In addition, all Christians need to compare what is preached in their church to what is written in God’s Word. We know that tradition should never be placed above God’s Word. If we follow Christ, and are doers of His word, we will all have a greater understanding of the importance of Christ’s Sacrifice, and will hear the voice of our “Good Shepherd”. This will allow us to better walk in His ways and delight in His will.
The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen