It’s incredible how much impact one life can have on another. But did you know that there is one life that has had a profound impact on millions? Jesus was rejected, shamed, and suffered unbearable pain. He was also tempted many times. Despite all of this, His whole life was still marked by complete obedience and surrender to His Father. Let’s look at three ways that Jesus’ life impacts all of ours today.            

The Humiliation of Christ

Jesus’ humiliation didn’t begin during Holy Week. It began at His conception. Rather than appearing in a grand or supernatural manner, Jesus was born through a virgin in fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 7:14). He was born not in a palace, but in a manger, amongst animals and strangers (Luke 2:6-7). Jesus' humiliation continued as He grew up. He was obedient to His earthly parents though He created them, and He submitted to God’s law, and respected human authority. He was also familiar with rejection and grief – even at the hands of His own family (Matthew 13:57, Mark 3:21). 

Jesus endured all kinds of humiliation not because He had to, but because He chose to. We can come to Him with our sorrows and run to Him when we struggle with temptation because He understands us better than anyone else (Hebrews 12:3, Hebrews 4:15-16). Ultimately, Jesus endured betrayal, abandonment, denial, being beaten beyond recognition, and then crucifixion, out of obedience and love.  Because of Jesus’ obedience, our sins are paid in full. Our response? Humble ourselves and trust Him for our salvation.   

The Exaltation of Christ

Christ’s exaltation began with His resurrection – His triumph over death by His own authority (John 10:17-18). More than any miracle or wonder He performed, it is Jesus’s resurrection that proves He is truly God (Romans 1:4). Without the Resurrection, our faith is worthless because our sins remain, and we are without hope (1 Corinthians 15:13-20). But because Jesus lives, we have new life. Because of this, we ought to live for Him who died and rose again to save us (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).      

The Anticipation of Christ

If we can be certain of thing, it’s this: Christ is coming back again (Matthew 25:32). When Jesus returns, we will be transformed and receive glorified bodies like His (1 Corinthians 15:51-53). Until then, our mission is simple and clear: we ought to live for what matters most – God's Word and the salvation of others (1 Corinthians 15:58). Before Jesus ascended to heaven after His resurrection, He commissioned all His followers to make disciples of all nations. As we live faithfully with this mission in mind, we can look forward to one day hearing God welcome us with these words, “Well done, good and faithful servant”.