Jesus was patient like His Father
When Jesus, the Son of God was on earth He demonstrated His perfect patience, not only as true God, but as fully human as well. Since Christ was the Father’s ambassador, He points us to the patience of His Father. It does not mean the Father is quick-tempered, while the Son is patient. Rather, the patience we see in the Son of God is the very patience of His Father.
He was patient with the rebellion of the first man and woman, removing them from the garden, but covering their nakedness and promising a Son to come and crush the serpent. He was patient with Cain, giving him a mark of protection against a hostile world. There are many examples of the Father’s patience.
How about the Son? The Bible mentions that Jesus cried three times:
First - Lazarus death because He loved him;
Second - while standing on top of Mt of Olives He saw Jerusalem, he cried because they would not recognise His ‘visitation;
Third - in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Hebrews 5:7 says that He offered prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears. Indeed, He wept with many tears, because that evening He carried the burden of salvation for the whole world. Those were tears of mission for the world, “for God is not really slow about His promises, but is patient…”(2 Pet.3:9). Jesus expressed His patience, because He loved us, for love is patient (1Cor.13:4)
Jesus was patient with friends. For example, in John 14:8 Philip foolishly asked, “Lord, show us the Father, it is enough for us.” Jesus answered with compassion and patience, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (Jn.14:9).
He was patient with Thomas. Thomas said, “Unless I see in His hands the mark of nails, and place my fingers into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into His side, I will never believe” (Jn.20:25). Jesus again was patient with him, 8 days of patience in accommodating His request. There are too many examples.
What do we learn?
Patience is true power. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Paul says, “an example to those who were to believe in (Jesus) for eternal life” (1Tim.1:16).
Sometimes our impatience can be the obstacle to our growth and progress. Impatience, may become a stumbling block to fellow Christians. Or to the unbelievers. Please consider the eternal consequences.
We often think our agenda and impatience can make us look good and sound strong, but the reality is this—it shows our soul’s insecurity and restlessness.
In contrast, true patience reveals real power. Power is on display when Christ handles us with His perfect patience. This calls for transformation on your behalf through the power of the Holy Spirit. Remember, it is all by grace and by grace alone. I leave it you!
