When we begin to understand and accept what Jesus Christ has done for us, we will be moved to love Him, to obey Him, to honor Him, to please Him, and to praise Him. Let’s consider a few of the things He has done for us.
1. Jesus became poor . . .
Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich (2 Corinthians 8:9).
. . . that in Him I can become spiritually rich.
God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).
2. Jesus suffered hunger . . .
When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred (Matthew 4:2).
. . . that I might be fully and forever satisfied.
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more (Revelation 7:16).
3. Jesus was lonely . . .
From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? (John 6:66, 67).
. . . that I might never be alone.
I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world (Matthew 28:20).
4. Jesus suffered great grief . . .
Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me (Matthew 26:38).
. . . that I might have abundant joy.
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full (John 15:11).
5. Jesus was tempted . . .
Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil (Matthew 4:1).
. . . that He might understand and help me overcome temptations.
For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour [help] them that are tempted (Hebrews 2:18).
6. Jesus was forsaken . . .
Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled (Matthew 26:56).
. . . that I might join an innumerable host.
I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands (Revelation 7:9).
7. Jesus was crucified . . .
When they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him (Luke 23:33).
. . . that I might live forever.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
8. Jesus became a servant to man . . .
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men (Philippians 2:7).
. . . so that I could become a son of God.
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not (1 John 3:1).
9. Jesus was snubbed by men . . .
He came unto his own, and his own received him not (John 1:11).
. . . that I might be received into fellowship with God and His people.
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ (1 John 1:3).
10. Jesus endured the cross . . .
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2).
. . . so that I can overcome sin and receive a crown of victory.
Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life (Revelation 2:10).
11. Jesus was troubled . . .
Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour (John 12:27).
. . . that I might have peace that passes all understanding.
The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
12. Jesus was in agony . . .
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground (Luke 22:44).
. . . that I might be of good comfort.
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you (2 Corinthians 13:11).
13. Jesus was rejected . . .
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not (Isaiah 53:3).
. . . that I might be welcomed.
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world (Matthew 25:34).
14. Jesus was homeless . . .
Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head (Matthew 8:20).
. . . to give me an eternal home in glory.
In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you (John 14:2).
Since God loves us so much that He sent His Son to do all these things for us, how could we hold back anything from Him? How could we refuse to give our lives to Him in full love and obedience? The hymn writer said it well:
” Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all.” —Isaac Watts
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