cultivating virtue

courage

Last night as I was reading through Luke, I happened upon these verses recounting the courage displayed during the Passion of Christ. I try to imagine Jesus' humanness, if He had an instinct for self-preservation like I do, and if so,how He said, "Not my will, but yours."

He pulled away from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed, "Father, remove this cup from me. But please, not what I want. What do you want?" At once an angel from heaven was at his side, strengthening him. He prayed on all the harder. Sweat, wrung from him like drops of blood, poured off his face. Luke 22:41-44

And here, in the midst of accusations, abuse and humiliaton, an innocent man says nothing in His defense. Rather leave it to God, and follow the path laid out for Him.

Herod was delighted when Jesus showed up. He had wanted for a long time to see him, he'd heard so much about him. He hoped to see him do something spectacular. He peppered him with questions. Jesus didn't answer—not one word. But the high priests and religion scholars were right there, saying their piece, strident and shrill in their accusations.

Luke 23:8-10

 

My favourite...a condemned man sheds his pride and admits he is wrong and in need of the saving grace of God-crucified next to him.

One of the criminals hanging alongside cursed him: "Some Messiah you are! Save yourself! Save us!"

But the other one made him shut up: "Have you no fear of God? You're getting the same as him. We deserve this, but not him—he did nothing to deserve this."

Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom."

He said, "Don't worry, I will. Today you will join me in paradise."

Luke 23:39-43