Comparing The Crucifixion, Imagery, And Death Of Jesus

The crucifixion, agony, and death of Jesus offer life lessons and an example for us to follow. 1 Peter 2:21 (ESV) says: "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” We see the suffering that Jesus endured, as well as His burial, resurrection, and ascension through the Gospel writers. Jesus left us with an example to follow as he died on the cross for us – a perfect example, as Jesus was without sin and knew no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV). In 1 Peter 1:16 Jesus calls us to be holy as He was holy. In the death of Jesus Christ, we see His true character revealed as He is being beaten, mocked, and crucified. We know that Jesus lived a perfect and sinless live while on earth, but this is exemplified
the most while he was hanging on the cross.
By His death, He gives us a standard at which we are to live. Jesus died for the sins of the world and to set an example for us in how to live our lives. In Luke 23:34 (ESV), it says: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” This is the first thing Jesus says while he is hanging on the cross. He is awaiting his death in anguish and pain while in front of the people who sinned against Him. Jesus shows us the principle of forgiveness and how crucial it is. As He was hanging on the cross, He did not cry out for pity, show vengeance and hostility toward the people who where killing Him, or show anger toward God. Instead, Jesus showed forgiveness and love to those who were persecuting and killing Him. 1 Peter 2:23 (NIV) it says, “When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted himself to Him who judges justly.” In this, Jesus teaches us the importance of forgiveness toward those who sin against you. Jesus died praying for those who wronged Him. We are to be more concerned with and have a heart of forgiveness rather than getting vengeance or holding anger toward the people
who sin against us. Jesus demonstrates this for us on the cross. The second thing Jesus says on the cross was in response to one of the two thieves crucified next to Him. The one thief said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” and Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:42-43 NIV). Jesus came to the earth to seek and save those who were lost by sharing the truth of eternal life (Luke 19:10 NIV). What is amazing to think about is that He did this from the time He started His earthly ministry up until His last words on the cross. This is another life lesson to be learned when understanding the death of Jesus (“Jesus' Death Shows Us How to Live”, 1989). The Bible tells us that Jesus came to the earth to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15-16) and that is what He did on the cross. Jesus died forgiving those who sinned against Him, all while bringing the truth of salvation to the world. What an example to follow.