Note:
I. That the trials and sufferings of Jesus Christ were essential to the perfection of His character as our Great Example. There have been in the world examples of patience and resignation and submission to the will of God, but there have been none like that of Jesus Christ.
II. The sufferings of a Redeemer as a substitute for man have made a wondrous impression upon the human mind. Since the world began, no transaction like it has ever taken place no expedient like it has ever been found to influence the human heart, or stay the swelling tide of human corruption. The flood swept away a guilty world, and the impression made by that dread manifestation of Divine displeasure was soon forgotten. But the event of Calvary attracted the attention, affected the hearts, and changed the character, of thousands. The. impression, moreover, which it makes is of the very character needed. An impression not more distinct of God's readiness to forgive sin than of His displeasure against sin.
III. The Cross of Christ is a demonstration of love, a warrant for confidence, an appeal to everything noble and generous about human nature. I question not that the Redeemer's work took its peculiar form as much to meet the feelings of the human hearts as to meet the requirements of God's justice and truth. Our feelings towards God are naturally those of distrust and opposition, and that simply because we are sinners; and these feelings must be mastered before we can be saved; and they must be mastered by an unequivocal overwhelming demonstration of love; and we have it in the Cross, for there God is in Christ, reconciling man into Himself. The Redeemer was not compelled to suffer; but because He loved man so much the thickening darkness of the curse only bound him the faster to His work; He saw, He endured, He triumphed under the influence of love to man; and now He not only shows us that we may trust Him, but He addresses His appeal to our hearts.
E. Mason, A Pastor's Legacy,p. 42.
Reference: Luke 23:20-25. Christian World Pulpit,vol. xi., p. 270.