Christ's Example Of Long-Suffering

Second only to Jehovah, Christ Jesus set a fine example of long-suffering. When under duress, Jesus showed astonishing restraint. Of him it was prophesied: " He was hard pressed, and he was letting himself be afflicted; yet he would not open his mouth. He was being brought just like a sheep to the slaughtering; and like a ewe that before her shearers has become mute, he also would not open his mouth." -Isaiah 53:7.

What remarkable long-suffering Jesus showed throughout his ministry on earth! He endured the treacherous questions of his enemies and the insults of his opposers. (Matthew 22:15-46; 1Peter 2:23) He was patient with all his disciples, even when they continually quarreled over who was the greatest. (Mark 9:33-37; 10:35-45; Luke 22:24-27) And what admirable restraint Jesus showed on the night of his betrayal when Peter and John fell asleep after being told to "keep on the watch"! - Matthew 26:36-41.

After his death and resurrection, Jesus continued to be long-suffering. The apostle Paul was particularly conscious of this, since he had formerly been a persecutor of Christians. Paul wrote: " Faithful and deserving of full acceptance is the saying that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Of these I am foremost. Nevertheless, the reason why I was shown mercy was that by means of me as the foremost case Christ Jesus might demonstrate all his long-suffering for a sample of those who are going to rest their faith on him for everlasting life." (1Timothy 1:15, 16) Whatever our past, if we rest our faith on Jesus, he will be long-suffering with us- while, of course, expecting us to produce "works that befit repentance." (Acts 26:20; Romans 2:4) The messsages that was sent to the seven congregations in Asia Minor show that while he is long-suffering, he does expect progress.- Revelation, chapters 2 and 3.

Next time: A Fruit Of The Spirit