Christ was born to die. He was known as “a man of sorrows.” He was despised and rejected, especially by those people who he was close to during much of his early life. People listened to him and supported him when he was giving them what they wanted. When he required things from them in return, most walked away. Some turned on him completely. In his times of greatest pain and need, he was usually alone and could not count on even those who claimed to support him the loudest. He was severely tempted, plotted against, laughed at, and ignored. Those he loved did not realize they were being loved and resented him to the degree that they tried to kill him. The visible, earthly impact of his ministry was not evident until after his time on Earth was done. Only after his departure did people around the world begin to acknowledge his work and sing his praises. So what did Christ do? He loved them all and gave himself up for them.
Is that the Christ you follow? Scripture says we share in the sufferings of Christ. Do you? Christ-followers do.
