The Son determined to live and die by glorifying the Father, even while enduring crucifixion and its excruciating pain. Let’s see the following four principles Jesus demonstrated while crucified:
1. Non-Defensive
When those around Jesus did nothing but revile Him, He didn’t defend Himself. Neither did He attack them back (1 Peter 2:23). Jesus stayed silent (Isaiah 53:7). By doing so, He fully exhibited trust that God would avenge Him without having to do so Himself (1 Samuel 24:12).
Like Jesus, you and I don’t need to engage in self-defense even if someone decides to harass us in our pain. The Lord is still the most powerful Avenger there is (Psalm 94:1). The One who sees everything will make things right in due time.
2. No Pity Party
People surrounding Jesus mocked Him mercilessly. But even though their derision must have hurt, what might have stung even more was the roaring passivity of Jesus’ own loved ones. A tiny band of followers, witnessed Jesus’ abuse and humiliation—but none of them said a peep (John 19: 25-27).
If it were me bleeding on the cross? Hearing vicious sneers, coupled with my support system’s sustained silence, would’ve easily triggered a serious self-pitying episode.
Not Jesus. Crucifixion is likely the most painful way to die ever invented, yet the Son of God shed no tears. Why? Because Jesus refused to indulge in a pity party.
Self-pity sucks all of the attention to ourselves. The whining in self-pity repulses everyone else, pity partiers tend to cry all by themselves. Their act makes it impossible for others to respond with compassion.
3. He Sought Proper Help
On the surface, it seems as though Jesus’ words to the Father conveyed a son’s protest for his dad’s abandonment (Matthew 27:46). However, notice that Jesus directed His plea to God in a transparent and respectful manner. Contrast this attitude to many who, in their pain, give God the silent treatment or curse Him instead—like Job’s wife, for instance (Job 2:9).
The Lord will never forsake anyone who seeks Him (Psalm 9:10). So, if you want your suffering to count, never abandon the God who has loved you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). Then, seek proper help—in the spiritual, physical, as well as emotional realm.
4. He Forgave Fiercely
Remember this as we ponder Jesus’ request to the Father to forgive the soldiers who nailed him to the cross (Luke 23:34). Jesus didn’t do so as the Almighty who had unlimited power to forgive. He did it as a trauma victim with every nerve on fire.
The next time you’re suffering, therefore, forget finger-pointing. Don’t scream at anyone—including those whose decisions or actions might have cost you. Lavish genuine forgiveness instead. Forgiveness is so attractive, it may just draw those who observe this gesture closer to the Father of mercies (2 Corinthians 1:3).
