Christ Sacrifice upon His Holy Cross.
The life of Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Our Savior, on earth may be said to be one uninterrupted sacrifice. At the Incarnation His sacrifice began, for He gave up His divine dignity which was His as the Son of God and took the form of a servant (Phil. 2:7). He gave up His free will, becoming obedient to a lowly maiden and an artisan, obedient to His heavenly Father even to the death of the cross (v. 8). He relinquished all earthly possessions (Matt. 8:20). Christ often denied Himself food of the body (John 4:34). Even when tired Christ denied Himself rest; and passed the whole night in prayer (Luke 6:12). Christ renounced Honor, saying “I seek not my own glory” (John 8:50). When brought before His judges He suffered scorn in silence (Luke 23:11). Christ was put on a par with murderers, and crucified between two thieves (Mark 15:27). And finally, upon the Cross, Christ surrendered all that He had, even His life itself, saying, “It is consummated.” Christ, Our Savior, the Good Shepherd, gave His life for the sheep (John 10:15). Christ is the true Lamb of God, brought to the slaughter; He suffered more than it is possible for any human being. Christ, the Son of God, by His Sacrifice upon His Holy Cross redeemed the whole world.
Detail of Head of Crucified Christ is from the central panel of the Liesborn high altarpiece.