Looking at various incidents in the life of Christ, we can appreciate how courageously and admirably he lived. Comparing him to heroes of old or those we laud in our own time, we see that Jesus comes out as the most impressive person to ever live. Thankfully, Jesus’ righteous life and heroic death were not the end, for God raised him from the dead!

Mark 3:1-6   When he healed the man with the withered hand, Jesus courageously prioritized the hurting man over the risk to himself and the inevitable consequences.

Matthew 4:1-11   When the devil tempted Jesus, again and again he heroically resisted the challenge to prove his identity as God’s Son.

Mark 14:32-36   Before he was arrested, Jesus had to stay at Gethsemane, knowing the grisly fate that awaited him if he did not flee.

Luke 22:54-62   Peter provides a contrast to Jesus’ heroism. Rather than fessing up, Peter repeatedly denies his association with Jesus.

Mark 14:55-56, 62-64   When standing before the high priest, Jesus had to decide to own his identity as the Messiah or find a way out of his predicament. He boldly chose truth over safety.

Seeing Jesus’ heroic acts, we are helped to appreciate how valuable the salvation was that he purchased for us with his blood. His death was no quick and clean matter, but a bloody, ugly, and protracted affair. However, when God raised him from the dead, everything changed, making it possible for all who trust in him to likewise leave the grave behind.