A person crucified Jesus. Luke 23:43. A human being, one of Jesus’ own creations, did this to Him. Imagine what that must have felt like, both physically and emotionally; physically torturous, absolutely, but imagine what it must have been like emotionally to have something you created out of love hurt you in this way. Truly unbearable.

We can learn conceptually, and we can learn by examples. Don’t just listen to someone’s words; learn from their actions.

“I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44. These are important words, and we should listen to them. But we can also learn from the actions of their Speaker. Jesus allowed Himself to be crucified by His creation.

The person in this wood carving was a someone; an actual person–like you and I–did this. And what did Jesus say when this was happening? “‘Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.’” Luke 23:44. Imagine loving your enemy who was crucifying you.

It’s almost like Jesus was saying to us: do as I do.

With this as our example, let’s do as He did. Let’s love each other, no matter what.