Christ, our perfect example

Because he suffered death for us, he is now “crowned with glory and honor.” Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone. God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation. So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. For he said to God, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people.” He also said, “I will put my trust in him,” that is, “I and the children God has given me.” Hebrews 2:9b-13

The death of Jesus at the cross provided a marvelous display of divine grace. God allowed his Son to endure suffering. Jesus willingly offered himself. He tasted death for everyone. He did this so that lost sinners will find life. It is because of the grace of God that Jesus had become man. In His humanity and death at the cross, He brought “many children to glory.” “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one” (John 17:22). The idea of a suffering Messiah was a horrible concept that the religious leaders in Jesus’ time will not accept. Yet, in the sight of God, this action “was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation.” Christ’s death was adequate to provide us salvation. If Jesus Christ had not come to earth and become man, He could not take us with Him from earth to share in His glory. The Incarnation, Crucifixion, and Resurrection are all events that must go together for they all lead to glory. He could not become our Savior if He did not become man. Christ’s suffering had set before us an example. Through His suffering, He became a perfect leader to those whom He shares His glory with because they have surrendered their lives to Him. “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). Through Christ’s suffering, He provided us an example that just like Him, we will learn obedience. It is easy to be dismissive or to avoid suffering. But if Christ reigns supreme in our lives, we will not insist following our own way but allowing Him to be the leader of our lives. Just like Christ, God uses our sufferings to prepare us to do every good work.

Blessings,