As we commemorate this memorial to our Savior, we need to keep in mind what manner of man he was that gave his life that we might have a new and never-ending life. Consider that Jesus never showed the slightest qualities of character that should have provoked hatred against him. He was meek, modest, humble, and affectionate. He had every quality that all souls should love and esteem. Yet he could not escape the jealousy of his own people or their hostility toward him.

Ephesians 2:15-18 says: "Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, that is the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that he might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And he came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father."

This is the manner of the man that gave his life in our place.

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 1, p. 17
January 3, 1991