As we approach Easter, I want to share some thoughts on what Jesus was willing to suffer to purchase salvation for us.

First is His willingness to leave the glory, beauty, comfort and honor that was His is heaven, where He was revered, worshipped and obeyed.

He who filled the whole universe, left all this the be confined to the little body of a human baby.

He left the perfection of sinless and clean Heaven to live in a world filled with disease, demons, dirty conditions and dark practices.

He left the wonderful fragrances of heaven to liven among the unwashed who often lived in very unclean conditions.

He left the safe and pest-free environment of Heaven to live among those with fleas, lice, mosquitoes, cockroaches and other unpleasant insects.

He left the light of Heaven for the darkness of the broken world.

He left the intimate presence of His Father to live in a way that He had to pray as a human being.

He left the temptationless position in Heaven to experience every searing, demanding temptation that all humans experience.

And He was willing to give all up and come here so He could redeem His enemies—us!

picture: Life in the first century