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Jesus, Our Example
15
A Life of Self-sacrifice
Jesus gave first place to His mission, and all His wishes came
second. He glorified His life by making everything in it subordinate
to the will of His Father. When in His youth His mother found Him
in the school of the rabbis and said, “‘Son, why have You done
this to us?’” He answered—and His answer is the keynote of His
lifework—“‘Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must
be about My Father’s business?’”
Luke 2:48, 49
.
His life was one of constant self-sacrifice. He had no home in
this world except as the kindness of friends provided for Him as a
wayfarer. He came to live in our behalf the life of the poorest and to
walk and work among the needy and the suffering. Unrecognized
and unhonored, He walked in and out among the people for whom
He had done so much.
He was always patient and cheerful, and the afflicted hailed Him
as a messenger of life and peace. He saw the needs of men and
women, children and youth, and to all He gave the invitation, “Come
to Me.”
During His ministry, Jesus devoted more time to healing the sick
than to preaching. His miracles testified to the truth of His statement
that He came not to destroy but to save. Wherever He went, the
tidings of His mercy preceded Him. Where He had passed, the
objects of His compassion were rejoicing in health and trying out
their newfound powers. Crowds were collecting around them to hear
from their lips what the Lord had done. His voice was the first sound
that many had ever heard. His name was the first word they had
ever spoken. His face was the first they had ever looked upon. Why
should they not love Jesus and praise Him! As He passed through
the towns and cities He was like a vital current, spreading life and
joy.
“The people that sat in darkness
Saw a great light,
And to them that sat in the region and shadow of death,
To them did light spring up.”
Matthew 4:16, ARV, margin.