Throughout my life I have accumulated a lot of different quotes and material that I would term my “favorite” this or that. I have quite a few favorite scripture passages that “speak” to me and help me remember what’s really important in life.
Tonight I was watching a few videos from past conferences, just trying to spiritually prepare a bit for conference weekend, and one of my favorite talks popped into my head. I want to share one of the most powerful passages from this talk. The talk is called Jesus of Nazareth, and it was written by President Spencer W. Kimball and printed back in 1981. The whole article is pretty extensive and talks a lot about Jesus’ earlier life and leading up to his crucifixion. The following passage is so true and quite moving as well:
A price was on his head. Physical violence confronted him always. People were enjoined to reveal his whereabouts so he could be put to death. The specter of death preceded him, sat with him, walked with him, followed him.
How difficult it must have been for him, who could wither a fig tree with a single command, to restrain himself from cursing his enemies. Rather, he prayed for them. To retaliate and fight back is human, but to accept indignities, as did the Lord, is divine. He permitted himself to be kissed by the known traitor, yet did not resist. And when he was captured, he did not permit his loyal Apostle Peter to defend him, though that worthy man was willing to die fighting for him.
With twelve legions of angels at his command, he yielded himself and disarmed his courageous Apostles at his side. He accepted this manhandling and the indignities without retaliation. Had he not said, “Love your enemies”? (Matt. 5:44.)
In quiet, restrained, divine dignity he stood when they cast their spittle in his face. He remained composed. Not an angry word escaped his lips. They slapped his face and beat his body. Yet he stood resolute, unintimidated.
Literally did he follow his own admonition when he turned his other cheek to be also slapped and smitten. And yet, he did not cringe, gave no denials, offered no rebuttals. When false witnesses were paid to lie about him, he condemned them not. They twisted his words and misinterpreted his meanings, yet he was calm and unflustered. Had he not taught, “Pray for them which despitefully use you”? (Matt. 5:44.)
He who created the world and all that is in it, he who made the silver from which the pieces were stamped which bought him, he who could command defenders on both sides of the veil—stood and suffered.
What dignity! What mastery! What control! Even when he, the perfect, the sinless, the good, the Prince of Life, the Just, was weighed on one side of the scales against the murderer, the seditionist, the insurrectionist, Barrabas—and Barrabas won, thus winning his liberty at the price of Christ’s crucifixion—yet the Savior said not a word of condemnation to the magistrate who made the unjust decision.
I will read through this passage from time to time to remind me about what really truly matters in this life. And it always brings me back to my religion, my family and the rest of my loved ones. And that’s pretty much it. It’s nice when we can be reminded of that lesson every now and again. I know that I sure need reminding…
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