The humility of Christ (8)

On the way to the cross

After Christ had washed the feed of His disciples in the upper room, we see Him sharing wonderful truths with them in John 14 - 16. Although He knew that only a few days later He would be crucified facing incredible sufferings from the hands of men and finally also from the hands of God, He thought more of the needs of His disciples than of the things concerning Himself. He, who longed to have their sympathy, comforted them with wonderful words of compassion. 

Shortly before accomplishing the greatest work that was ever done in this world Jesus was occupied with the future of Simon Peter. Christ prayed for Him that his faith would not fail. When the soldiors came to take Him captive the good Shepherd again thought more of His disciples than of Himself, saying: “If therefore ye seek me, let these go away” (John 18:8).

The soldiors laid hands on Him and led Him away. A crowd of people and some women followed Him weeping and lamenting. Jesus turned around to them and said: “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep over me, but weep over yourselves and over your children“ (Lk 23:28). Although He was about to face the terrible judgment of God in the 3 hours of darkness, He thought of the judgment that would fall on them after His crucifixion.

At the cross

His enemies beat Him, spit into His face and put a crown of thorns upon His head. Finally they nail Him to the cross. There He is hanging in terrible pain and agony. But even in these sufferings He again thinks of others instead of being only occupied with Himself. Although people mocked Him, blasphemed Him and provoked Him in a way that He had to say: “Reproach hath broken my heart” (Ps 69:20), He prayed for them, crying out: “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Lk 23:34).

Among those who despised and blasphemed Him were two robbers who had been crucified with Him. One of them turned to Christ in the last minute of his life. The Lord spoke to his heart and assured him that he didn’t have to be afraid of death. What a comfort this man received through the words: “Verily I say to thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Lk 23:43)

Next, the Lord sees His mother who observed the crucifixion from a distance. 33 years before Simeon had prophesied of the things that would happen to Mary’s soul when she saw her son hanging in pain and agony at this shameful cross, saying: “And even a sword shall go through thine own soul” (Lk 2:35). Jesus knew of all that went on in her heart. From the cross He comforts her soul entrusting her into the hands of His beloved disciple John (John 19:26.27).

What a humility! What an example for all of us. Let us not be self-centered people but have the mind of Christ who thought more of others than of Himself.  

J.P.S.

Article series: The humility of Christ