Topical Bible: Patience: Christ, an Example of

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Patience is a virtue that is exemplified in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Throughout the New Testament, Christ's patience is demonstrated in His interactions with His disciples, His response to His adversaries, and His endurance through suffering. This entry explores the various aspects of Christ's patience as depicted in the Scriptures.

Patience with His Disciples

Jesus exhibited remarkable patience with His disciples, who often struggled to understand His teachings and mission. Despite their frequent misunderstandings and lack of faith, Jesus continued to instruct and guide them with compassion and forbearance. In Mark 9:19 , Jesus responds to the disciples' inability to cast out a demon, saying, "O unbelieving generation, how long must I remain with you? How long must I put up with you?" Yet, He does not abandon them but instead uses the opportunity to teach and strengthen their faith.

Patience in Teaching

Christ's patience is also evident in His method of teaching. He often used parables and repeated lessons to ensure His followers grasped the spiritual truths He imparted. In John 16:12 , Jesus tells His disciples, "I still have much to tell you, but you cannot yet bear to hear it." This statement reflects His understanding of their limitations and His willingness to wait until they are ready to receive deeper revelations.

Patience with Adversaries

Jesus' patience extended to His interactions with those who opposed Him. Despite facing constant challenges from the Pharisees and other religious leaders, Jesus responded with calmness and wisdom. In Matthew 22:15-22 , when the Pharisees attempt to trap Him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar, Jesus patiently answers, "Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s." His response not only defuses the situation but also conveys profound truth.

Patience in Suffering

The ultimate demonstration of Christ's patience is seen in His suffering and crucifixion. Jesus endured immense physical and emotional pain without retaliation or complaint. In 1 Peter 2:23 , it is written, "When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly." His patience in the face of suffering serves as a powerful example for believers to follow.

Patience in Fulfillment of God's Plan

Jesus' entire life was marked by patience as He awaited the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. He began His public ministry at the appointed time and consistently submitted to the Father's will, even when it led to the cross. In Hebrews 12:2 , believers are encouraged to look to Jesus, "the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." His patience was rooted in His trust in God's perfect timing and purpose.

Through His life and actions, Jesus Christ provides the ultimate example of patience. His enduring love and steadfastness offer a model for believers to emulate in their own lives, as they seek to grow in this essential virtue.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 53:7
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opens not his mouth.
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Acts 8:32
The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
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Matthew 27:14
And he answered him to never a word; so that the governor marveled greatly.
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Library

Jesus Christ in his Incarnation and Work a More Imitable Example ...
... Chapter III."Jesus Christ in His Incarnation and Work a More Imitable Example Thereof.
And this species of the divine patience indeed being, as it were, at a ...
/.../tertullian/of patience/chapter iii jesus christ in his.htm

The Patience of Christ.
... The patience of Christ must be manifested in our lives. For even hereunto were ye
called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/the patience of christ.htm

The Eighteenth Chapter: Temporal Sufferings Should be Borne ...
... The Voice of Christ ... Disgrace and reviling I bore with patience. ... meritorious, and it
is made brighter and more endurable for the weak by Your example and the ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the eighteenth chapter temporal sufferings.htm

That Temporal Miseries are to be Borne Patiently after the Example ...
... That temporal miseries are to be borne patiently after the example of Christ. ... of
necessity, but drawn by love that thou mightest learn patience and mightest ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xviii that temporal miseries.htm

In the Name of Christ
... Christ is only our example because He is our Head, our Saviour ... Christ was what He
taught. ... must be followers of those "who through faith and patience inherit the ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter xi in the name.htm

Of the Example of the Holy Fathers
... all others who would walk in the footsteps of Christ. ... simple obedience, they walked
in love and patience; and thus ... men they were given as an example, and they ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xviii of the example.htm

Of the Example of Patience Given by Abbot Paphnutius.
... Of the example of patience given by ... him that no one who was possessed was ever brought
to his doors without being at once healed; for Christ was reserving ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xv of the example.htm

The Mind which was in Christ Jesus. Rev. George Wood.
... was manifested or employed; but we can imitate His meekness, His patience, His zeal ...
our motives and our conduct by the teaching and example of Christ, and if ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the mind which was in.htm

The Imitation of Christ
... The Eighteenth Chapter: Temporal Sufferings Should Be Borne Patiently, After the
Example of Christ. The Nineteenth Chapter: True Patience in Suffering. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/the imitation of christ/

Treatise ix. On the Advantage of Patience.
... 6. Nor, beloved brethren, did Jesus Christ, our God ... His very advent, are characterized
by patience as their ... servants, He might teach, by His example, what a ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise ix on the advantage.htm