Riots and violence have made the headlines in recent months. We may wonder, where is self-control? Galatians 5:22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control.[1] I believe all of us want to grow in the fruit of self-control of Jesus and there is no one who modeled that better than He did.
Our Model of Self-Control
The story of Jesus on Good Friday and all that He went through gives us great insight into the self-control of Jesus. Matthew 26:52 “Put away your sword,” Jesus told Peter. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword. 53 Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? 54 But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?” [2]
Jesus knew that He had to suffer and die for our sins so we could be set free and be forgiven. He was the Lamb of God as John the Baptist called Him. At any time, Jesus could have turned his enemies to dust, but he did not. Despite unfair abuse, Jesus resisted the temptation to not fulfill His destiny.
John 19:1Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip. 2 The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they put a purple robe on him. 3 “Hail! King of the Jews!” they mocked, as they slapped him across the face. 4 Pilate went outside again and said to the people, “I am going to bring him out to you now, but understand clearly that I find him not guilty.” 5 Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said, “Look, here is the man!” 6 When they saw him, the leading priests and Temple guards began shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” “Take him yourselves and crucify him,” Pilate said. “I find him not guilty.” [3]
Why Self-Control?
Jesus’ self-control becomes evident. Why would He allow Himself to be subjected to torture and death? His love for us! God knew we were unable to free ourselves from death and so came down in the person of Jesus. His death and resurrection made it possible to draw us to faith and forgive our sins. We are the greatest benefactors of the self-control and love of Jesus. Praise the Lord!
Prayer
Lord, You have shown self-control and love in Your life and death. Help me, Lord, to show that same self-control and love to others. Enable me to build up your Kingdom so others may also know you as Savior. Amen
To hear more about the self-control of Jesus, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/encountering-jesus-with-pilate
[1-3 Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.