He Lives

Today in class we talked about the crucifixion and of Christ. Christ suffered many hours on the cross, and he was hung next to two thieves. As Christ hung there, many people mocked him saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he be the Christ, the chosen of God” (Luke 23:35). One of the thieves also railed on him and said, “If thou be Christ, save thyself and us” (Luke 23:39). This is similar to earlier in Christ’s life where Satan tempted him and told him to prove that he was the Son of God by performing a miracle. These people wanted a miracle. The thieves wanted to be saved. But what is an even more impressive miracle is that he stayed on the cross.

Many people say that they are grateful that Christ died for them. This is true and I am also grateful for this. But if Christ had not suffered just a little bit longer the Atonement would not have been complete, infinite, and eternal. I am grateful that Christ chose to live a little bit longer. Because of this He was able to save and redeem all of mankind. He could then be resurrected and live for eternity. And because He lives we all can live too.

Another interesting thing I thought I’d is from one of my missionary friends. She told a story that one of the elders in her mission shared. He said that in his anatomy class he learned that there is a film of a water-like substance around the heart. When the heart ruptures this film runs down the left side of the body. After Christ had died one of the soldiers pierced Christ’s side and blood and water spilled out of his body (John 19:34). Christ’s heart ruptured due to all of his suffering. He is the only one to truly die of a broken heart. He went through so much because he loves us so much.