Now, this is a question that millions of Christians don’t know or don’t have a clear answer to. To answer this question, let us look at how Jesus died to self or denied himself by examining a
passage from Desire of Ages;
“Jesus did not contend for His rights. Often His work was made unnecessarily severe because He was willing and uncomplaining. Yet He did not fail nor become discouraged. He lived above these
difficulties, as if in the light of God's countenance. He did not retaliate when roughly used, but bore insult patiently.” DA 89
This passage talks about how Jesus chose not to fight for His own rights. Even though He faced tough situations and people treated Him badly, He never complained or got upset. Jesus didn't give
up, even when things were really hard. He stayed strong and didn't let the difficulties bring Him down. He didn't get angry or fight back when people treated Him roughly or insulted Him. Instead,
He stayed calm and patient. This shows how Jesus put others before Himself and stayed true to His mission, even when it was tough.
So, to “die to self” means “to give up all right” to sin.
Let's break down the passage for clearer understanding;
1. “Jesus did not contend for His rights”
This means Jesus didn't fight for what he deserved or insisted on getting special treatment, even though he could have.
2. “His work was made unnecessarily severe”
This means the things Jesus had to do were made harder than they needed to be.
3. “He was willing and uncomplaining”
Jesus was ready to do what needed to be done, and he didn't complain about it, even when it was tough.
4. “He did not fail nor become discouraged”
Even when things got really difficult, Jesus didn't give up or lose hope.
5. “He lived above these difficulties”
Jesus didn't let the hard times get him down. He stayed strong and didn't let them affect him too much.
6. “He did not retaliate when roughly used”
Jesus didn't fight back when people treated him badly or hurt him.
7. “But bore insult patiently”
Even when people insulted him or said mean things, Jesus stayed calm and didn't let it bother him too much.
Jesus gives up the right to get angry. He surrenders the right to get impatient and irritated. He forgoes the right to seek revenge, and so on. May all of us reflect the character of Jesus.
Sulad Jhun Cardeinte writes from Thailand. His email address acardeinte@aiias.edu .
To read the previous blog articles, go to SULADS Thailand website and click blog section. Direct link below; https://www.suladsthailand.com/blog-1/
Write a comment
Monwabisi (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 11:05)
I thank you for breaking the selflessness life of Jesus Christ
Levina Maposa (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 16:52)
I want to forgive, my heart hurts, my Lord give power to forgive
Frank Nakia (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 16:53)
Thank you for pointing me to Jesus the true and ultimate example pf all(Christians).
God bless your ministry.
�
Shirley (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 16:59)
I love the part " Jesus gave up his right to get angry" I think I have the right to get angry when someone spit in my without any reason. That must be denied and that's the hardest thing to do. I learned a lot. Thank you
Jevielyn paypa (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 17:04)
Thank you Lord, for the reminders�
Alemar Claves (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 17:33)
Praise God, very refreshing message. Thank you.
Russel Karo (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 17:43)
Pray for my family in Papua New Guinea.
Peace,love and happiness in the family.
Pray for my girlfriend Vanessa Gabriel.
Pray for my Dad to come back home, he's been staying with so many women and not thinking of his children.
Gunua Gene (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 17:44)
Amen �
God is our perfect example
jun alonzo (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 17:45)
denying my own rights to fightback or get angry is not easy to do,we have to ask God's help to empower us to make it happen thru the help of rhe Holy Spirit....tnx
Thembelihle moyo deaf (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 18:03)
Hi brother and sister amen pray SDA ZIMBABWE
Mayen Chiwer (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 18:05)
Thank you for break it down to be well understood, may God have mercy on people who treat me badly and give me heart of forgiveness.
Pray require
Pray for my studies and financial support from everyone who's willing to help and more specifically from God.
Daniel Borbor (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 18:14)
A life worth emulating.�
Lilian Magodi (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 18:25)
Oh Lord carry me through all my difficulties.
R M (USA) (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 19:02)
What a beautiful testimony of how our Lord Jesus died to self. However, I must say that Jesus did become angry. Jesus had a righteous indignation at the beginning of His ministry when he went through the temple with a whip and and again at the end of His ministry when He turned over the tables of the moneychangers. He also is angry when he sees the oppression of people, and yes He wants us to be angry too when we see humankind being oppressed. Just as Jesus was angry and took a stand against oppression we must do so also. Whether we must take a stand against racism, injustice, poverty, taking advantage of the poor and needy, mistreatment of the elderly and vulnerable, unfairness in judgement, unfairness in wages and everything else I did not mention. At times God does call for us not to keep silent. Please read Isaiah chapter 58. God Bless.
Charles (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 19:02)
Wonderful and challenging as for me
Alex Andia (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 19:36)
Please pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit for my country Papua New Guinea. We will host PNG for Christ from April 26th to 11th of May this year , 2024. Pastor Ted Wilson and team will be coming and we are excited to experience the blessings from God
Thomas Waso (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 20:28)
Christ has accomplished all things during His mission on earth and has indicated what it means to "die to self". As followers we need to apply those challenges into our lives. Thanks for sharing..
Atina Manliwos (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 21:22)
Learn alot today....
GOD BLESS U..
Rosemary Atieno (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 22:16)
Thank you for the nice teaching. May we build Character like Jesus Christ
Miriam (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 22:19)
Jesus
should be our example brothers and sisters
Lynda Babirye (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 22:44)
May God help us to copy Jesus' example. We can't on our own, You find that at times your rights are trampled on. This is a great lesson
Kennedy Ooko from Kenya �� (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 23:00)
That's a beautiful message. It's my prayer that I live that life of Jesus Christ. Amen
Diana (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 23:30)
May God help us reflect His character.
Amen
Justus (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 23:49)
May the Lord help us reflect the character of Jesus christ
Joram Lukyamuzi (Wednesday, 13 March 2024 01:21)
Truly one needs to allow the holy spirit's guidance to reflect God's character for a true discipleship journey
NABUNYA ANNET (Wednesday, 13 March 2024 01:34)
Amen we should really reflect Jesus 's image ��
Agyeman Kofi (Wednesday, 13 March 2024 04:09)
I think one key character we need to wear as we strive through this world is selflessness.
Prudence Munsanda (Wednesday, 13 March 2024 04:21)
Thank you for this message
Gordon (Wednesday, 13 March 2024 04:33)
Thank you so much for a soul-searching message
Musisi John (Wednesday, 13 March 2024 14:14)
Thank you for the heart searching and spirit filled message.
Joseph Taralu (Thursday, 14 March 2024 00:48)
1)Please pray for my family who worship on Sunday, so that one day there will know the truth inside the bible and join me to worship on sabbath.
2) pray for my school, especially my academic performance,,thank you and may God bless you all
Vitumbiko Ng'oma (Tuesday, 19 March 2024 00:30)
Christ died on the cross to conquer sin, christians have to die to themselves to have victory over sin.