Think on These Things Thursday

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

This week, I've been thinking about the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus. As I've been thinking about what Christ did for us, several things have really touched my heart. It seems that every Resurrection season, God touches my heart with new things. Isn't great the way the Holy Spirit can show us new things, even in a passage we've read and heard preached many times!

1. Christ's love for those close to Him. He knew that His time on earth was very short, so He spent His last days trying to prepare the disciples for His brutal death.
2. His patience. Even though they had been with Him and heard Him teach and preach over and over again, the disciples still did not understand that He was not going to overthrow the Romans and become king, but would rather die a horrible death for their sins. Yet, Jesus never mocked them or told them they were dense. He continued to try to teach them. (This is something I really need to work on!)
3. His humility. When He was brought before an illegal Jewish court and people were making up lies about Him, He did not call anyone to defend Him, scream about how unjust the world was, He did not even defend Himself! I certainly would have been telling everyone how unfair this all was. We see no bitterness or anger in Christ, though, only a determination to save us from our sins because He loved us that much!
4. His compassion on those who hated Him. We read in Luke 23:39-43 how he cared for the thief hanging on the cross next to Him. He asked God to forgive those who had just beaten Him, spat upon Him, mocked Him, and crucified Him, putting Him through the worst death know to man. Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
5. We need to make sure that we do what is right so that our kids do not suffer. In Matthew 27:25, we see that the Jewish people told Pilot when he washed his hands that His blood would be upon them and their children. Israel as a nation would cease to exist in less than 70 years and not become a nation again until 1948! What a price to pay.
6. Jesus' love for sinners. He loved us so much He was willing to die this horrible death and have His Father turn His back on Him due to our sins laid on Him. We did nothing to deserve such love. In fact, quite the opposite.
7. His resurrection gives us salvation. This makes Christ different from all others. Without the resurrection, we would be without salvation. Jesus rose again, so will we. He is in Heaven, if we have trusted Him as our Saviour, we will get to spend eternity with Him in Heaven.