We Do Not Appreciate It
Illustration★★★★If a prince, passing by an execution, should take the malefactor’s chains, and suffer in his stead, the deed would ring through all history, and be quoted as an amazing in- stance of heroic pity; and well deserved would be all the words of praise and sonnets of admiration which would record and eulogize it. Yet, our Lord Jesus did this, and infinitely more for those who were not merely malefactors but enemies to His own throne and person.
This is a wonder of wonders! But it meets with small praise.
The most of men around us have heard of it, and treated it as of little import; as an idle tale; as a pious legend; as a venerable fable; as an unpractical myth. Even those who know, believe, and admire, are cold in their emotions with regard to the story of the atonement. Herein is love which ought to set our hearts on fire, and yet we scarcely main- tain a smoldering spark of enthusiasm. Lord Jesus, be more real to our apprehensions, and more completely the master of our affections.
Spurgeon.
The point
A prince suffering for a malefactor would be lauded as heroic. Yet Christ did infinitely more for His enemies—and we respond with indifference. Called to deeper gratitude.