Jesus Christ supremely displays God's patient character in his work of salvation. The patience of Jesus Christ is seen in his relationships with people and in his perseverance through trial and suffering to death. Followers of Christ are called to demonstrate patience in all their relationships and circumstances.
The patience of Jesus Christ in his earthly ministry
His patience with people
Luke 22:32–34 See also Matthew 20:20–28 parallel Mark 10:35–45; Matthew 26:69–75 parallels Mark 14:66–72, Luke 22:55–62, John 18:16–27; Mark 4:13–20; Luke 23:33–34; John 21:15–19
But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” “Lord,” said Peter, “I am ready to go with You even to prison and to death.” But Jesus replied, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.”
His patience with God's timing of events
John 12:27 Jesus Christ's life was lived under the shadow of the cross. He was concerned that people should understand his ministry and therefore he exercised great patience, being directed by the Father in the priorities and timing of his ministry. See also Mark 1:34 parallel Luke 4:41; Mark 7:36, Mark 8:30, Mark 9:9; John 2:4, John 7:6, John 7:30, John 12:23, John 13:1, John 16:32, John 17:1
Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? No, it is for this purpose that I have come to this hour.
His patience in suffering
Matthew 26:39–42 parallels Mark 14:35–36, Luke 22:42 See also Matthew 26:59–68, Matthew 27:28–50; 2 Thessalonians 3:5; Hebrews 5:7–9, Hebrews 12:2–3; 1 Peter 2:21–25
Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” Then Jesus returned to the disciples and found them sleeping. “Were you not able to keep watch with Me for one hour?” He asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” A second time He went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cup cannot pass unless I drink it, may Your will be done.”
Jesus Christ reflects God's own patient character
Exodus 34:6–7; Numbers 14:18–20; Matthew 18:26–27; Romans 10:21; 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 3:8
Jesus Christ's patience brings about God's salvation
1 Timothy 1:16 See also Romans 2:4; 2 Peter 3:15
But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.
Jesus Christ's patience must be appropriated by his followers
In relation to people
Ephesians 4:2 See also Matthew 18:26–35; 1 Corinthians 13:4; Galatians 5:22; Colossians 1:11, Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 2 Timothy 4:2; James 5:7–8
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
In enduring life's circumstances and sufferings
1 Peter 2:20–23 See also Luke 8:15, Luke 21:19; Romans 5:3–4, Romans 8:25, Romans 12:12; Colossians 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; Titus 2:2; Hebrews 12:1–3; James 1:2–4, James 5:8; 1 Peter 5:8–10; Revelation 1:9, Revelation 13:10, Revelation 14:12
How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps: “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.
In communicating the gospel
2 Timothy 4:2 See also Titus 2:2
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.
In living and waiting for the Lord's coming
James 5:7–8 See also Romans 8:25; 1 Thessalonians 1:3
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil — how patient he is for the fall and spring rains. You, too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.
Examples of Jesus Christ's patience found in his followers
2 Corinthians 1:5–6, 2 Corinthians 6:4–6; 2 Timothy 3:10–11; Revelation 1:9, Revelation 3:10
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.