Jesus Christ, one of the most significant religious leaders in history, expressed numerous messages before His crucifixion that have become fundamental principles of the Christian faith. In this article, we will explore some of these messages, which encourage us to respect God’s commandments, abandon idolatry, and embrace our own suffering. These profound words found in the Holy Bible reveal Jesus’ love, sacrifice, and guidance.
- Respect the Commandments:
- Throughout His life, Jesus emphasized the importance of respecting God’s commandments. In the Gospel of Matthew (5:17-19), He clearly stated that He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them. Jesus conveyed to His disciples that until heaven and earth pass away, not a single letter or stroke of the Law will disappear. He also stressed that those who break even the smallest of these commandments and teach others to do the same will be considered least in the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, respecting God’s commandments is crucial for following Jesus and living in accordance with His teachings.
- Abandon Idolatry:
- Jesus also warned about the dangers of idolatry during His life. In the Book of Revelation (22:14-15), He emphasized that those who keep God’s commandments are blessed and will have the right to the tree of life and access to the city gates. Conversely, those who worship idols and engage in wicked acts are described as being outside God’s kingdom. Jesus taught that believers should focus solely on worshipping God and renounce the worship of other gods or idols. This message helps us maintain the purity of our faith and avoid the pitfalls of idol worship.
- Embrace Your Suffering:
- One of Jesus’ remarkable messages was an invitation for each individual to embrace their own cross. In the Gospel of Matthew (10:38), Jesus said, “And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” The phrase “take up your cross” symbolizes taking on one’s own suffering and burdens. Jesus encourages us to be prepared to face the difficulties and challenges that life brings and to follow Him. This means being resolute and steadfast in our faith, even in the most challenging moments.
- The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist:
- On the last evening before His crucifixion, Jesus instituted the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, which holds great significance in the Christian faith. During this ritual, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). He then took the cup, gave thanks, and said, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:20). With these words, Jesus established the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, where believers partake of bread and wine as symbols of His body and blood. This act of communion in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice connects us to Him and encourages us to express gratitude and renew our faith in His redemption.
Conclusion:
Jesus’ messages before His crucifixion are filled with love, wisdom, and significance for the Christian faith. His words inspire us to respect God’s commandments, avoid idolatry, and embrace our own suffering. The sacrament of the Holy Eucharist serves as a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice, inviting us to maintain the memory of His offering through the act of communion. May these words of Jesus serve as guidance and inspiration for us to follow His teachings, living in love and faith.
