Jesus, Our Model

Good Morning!! On the cross, Jesus was not only suffering from the wounds of scourging, beating, slapping, and crucifixion,...He was also bearing all the sins of all His people,...and the wrath of God, for them. If there are any words to describe, or parallel experiences, to illustrate the misery this must have been, it would literally be " hell on earth ". So who could have ever expected, to see one of the thieves crucified next to Him turn to Him,...and ask for a place in His kingdom. But, what was even more striking, more shocking, was to see the One who was suffering so much,...turn to the thief and speak words of comfort.

Jesus answered him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise."—Luke 23:43 (NIV)

If Jesus can think of others at a time like this,...what possible excuse could we offer, for ever being self-centered or self-absorbed, in our so called times of struggle, or affliction. If Jesus can help and encourage and comfort while hanging on the cross, then we can certainly minister to others in the midst of our own pain or grief or loss,...can't we?

Jesus instructs us to,...expects us to,...moves us to, think of others even in the midst of our own suffering.

May looking to Jesus take our eyes off of ourselves, and inspire us to reach out to those around us, who are hurting and hopeless and just as needy. Amen.

"I pray that we become grace givers,...we ask that God allow us to see and accept others as He does."