Articles
Our Great Example!
One reason Jesus came to earth was to be an example for us. It was an example of how
we should live our lives. He set a high standard, and I will be the first to admit, it’s not easy to
live up to. One particular event at the end of Jesus’ life often comes to my mind. The scene takes
place at Jesus’ crucifixion. After all the torture and hanging on a cross, Jesus makes a statement.
A statement I need to be reminded of more often than I would like to admit. Jesus said, "Father,
forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).
Jesus' innocence is declared several times in Luke 23. Pilate defended Him three times
(Luke 23: 4, 14, 22). Herod examined Jesus and found Him guiltless (Luke 23:15). One of the
thieves crucified next to Jesus stated that He had done nothing wrong (Luke 23:41). The
centurion declared, "Certainly this man was innocent" (Luke 23:47). Yet Jesus finds Himself
suffering, not for anything He has done, but for what others have done, myself included.
How do you react when you have to suffer because of other people’s actions? What is the
natural response when you're told you will have to do extra work because someone else isn’t
getting their work done? How badly does it feel when others are treating you poorly because they
heard a rumor or lie about you? What if it is something even worse? We don't normally behave
very well under these circumstances. It's easy to be filled with righteous anger. A desire for
revenge wells up inside of us.
What was Jesus' response? "He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in His mouth.
When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but
continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:22-23).
Jesus didn't seek revenge on those who spat on Him, beat Him, made fun of Him and
cried out for His execution. When people treat us poorly, when we don’t deserve what we get,
should we do any less than our example? Jesus prayed for them, He forgave them. ~B Tolbert
