* Jesus would not deny "the Word", even to suffering for the words sake.




Before they hung Jesus on the cross, we read:

Mark 15:23   And they gave Him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but HE received it not.


(myrrh: is used to combat pain)

Why wouldn't Jesus drink the wine mingled with myrrh?  It would have possibly deadened the pain of the cross.

As I wondered about this, I recalled that Jesus said something before HE was crucified.  

When Jesus gave His disciples wine to drink HE told them the following:  

Matthew 26:29   But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.

Jesus would not deny the Word, even when it would have reduced the pain of the cross.

Jesus upheld the Word.

Here is another example:

Matthew 26

50 ... Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took Him.

51 And, behold, one of them (Peter) which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.

52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and HE shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?  
54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

Jesus would not deny the scriptures, or HIS Word, even when it caused HIM great suffering.


*****

We often expect people to praise us when we follow the Word of God, especially as new Christians.  For we know that Word given us by God is right.  But often when we speak that Word from God, even those who call themselves Christians despise us.  This shows they despise the Word of God.

* II Timothy 3:12  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

***

After we have some experience in things of God, we know we will often suffer from others if we speak what God has shown us.  But we love the Word of God more than we love our lives and our reputations, just as Jesus did.

*  II Timothy 2:23  If we suffer, we shall also reign with HIM: if we deny HIM, HE also will deny us:

***

Also we make our own flesh suffer each time we choose to go in the way of God, walking in that which the Spirit has told us.  When the flesh does not get its own way, it suffers. 
 
I Peter 4:1-2    Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;  That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

***



* I Timothy 4:10  For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

* Hebrews 11:25  Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

*  I Peter 4:19  Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

* I Peter 2:20   For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

*****