Christ Jesus has stood as the supreme example for millions of men and women for some twenty centuries. He is Master, Teacher, Saviour. The way he has marked out for humanity is straight; the standard is high. It is the way of progress and spiritual growth, of regeneration and healing. It is the standard of spiritual perfection.
Yet, along with these high ideals, this straight and narrow way, Jesus expressed the utmost compassion and patience with the individual seeker. With his closest disciples, as well, his patience would often be needed as he carefully instructed them, demonstrating God's law over and over. With Peter, who at times seemed to struggle so with the demands of discipleship—who would be first to understand and acknowledge Jesus as Christ and yet later would abandon him at the hour of greatest need—Jesus simply would not give up on him. Even after the crucifixion and resurrection, on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus was patiently, tenderly showing Peter the way forward.
Jesus expressed the utmost compassion and patience with the individual seeker.
