A Life of Self-sacrifice

Jesus gave first place to His mission, and all His wishes came second. He glorified His life by making everything in it subordinate to the will of His Father. When in His youth His mother found Him in the school of the rabbis and said, “‘Son, why have You done this to us?’” He answered—and His answer is the keynote of His lifework—“‘Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?’” Luke 2:48, 49.MHH 10.1

His life was one of constant self-sacrifice. He had no home in this world except as the kindness of friends provided for Him as a wayfarer. He came to live in our behalf the life of the poorest and to walk and work among the needy and the suffering. Unrecognized and unhonored, He walked in and out among the people for whom He had done so much.MHH 10.2

He was always patient and cheerful, and the afflicted hailed Him as a messenger of life and peace. He saw the needs of men and women, children and youth, and to all He gave the invitation, “Come to Me.”MHH 10.3

During His ministry, Jesus devoted more time to healing the sick than to preaching. His miracles testified to the truth of His statement that He came not to destroy but to save. Wherever He went, the tidings of His mercy preceded Him. Where He had passed, the objects of His compassion were rejoicing in health and trying out their newfound powers. Crowds were collecting around them to hear from their lips what the Lord had done. His voice was the first sound that many had ever heard. His name was the first word they had ever spoken. His face was the first they had ever looked upon. Why should they not love Jesus and praise Him! As He passed through the towns and cities He was like a vital current, spreading life and joy.MHH 10.4

“The people that sat in darkness
Saw a great light,
And to them that sat in the region and shadow of death,
To them did light spring up.”
Matthew 4:16, ARV, margin.MHH 10.5

The Savior made each work of healing an occasion for implanting divine principles in the mind and soul. This was the purpose of His work. He imparted earthly blessings to people that He might influence their hearts to receive the gospel of His grace.MHH 10.6

Christ might have occupied the highest place among the teachers of the Jewish nation, but He preferred rather to take the gospel to the poor. He went from place to place that those in the highways and byways might hear the words of truth. By the sea, on the mountainside, in the streets of the city, in the synagogue, His voice was heard explaining the Scriptures. Often He taught in the outer court of the temple, that the Gentiles might hear His words.MHH 11.1