Let's contemplate how Jesus showed His love through the crucifixion and resurrection

How would you respond if asked to do something that may cause stress or discomfort, like going to the dentist or jury duty? How do you feel when someone calls you names or spreads unkind and untrue words about you? Would you do something if you knew it would cause you to bleed? How would you feel if you knew that your life would be at stake? People don't usually want to do difficult things. We play it safe and choose the more comfortable route.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus Christ knew how His mortal journey would end. Notwithstanding, He continued to preach, minister to, and serve others even while dealing with the prophesied circumstances that would lead to the conclusion of His life. He never backed out nor gave up.

He chose to walk the Father’s path as He suffered in Gethsemane to the point where He bled from every pore. He allowed himself to be arrested and face trial knowing the end result. He endured the pain and punishment from the Roman soldiers as they prepared Him to be hung on the cross. Yet, He asked His Heavenly Father to “forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Although the pain and suffering were only but a moment, the torment and mocking would continue for two millennia. It continues during these latter days and will until His second coming.

He was the ultimate exemplar of love as He healed the severed ear of one of his captors, and promised a thief “today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Finally, He willingly gave up his life to complete the Father’s plan.

To prove He was indeed the prophesied Christ, and to show the power He had over death itself, He appeared that Easter morning showing Himself to the disciples and then to the multitude. He didn't do it for personal gain, but for the love He had for us.

As we remember Him on Easter, let us ponder what is at stake. He offers an eternal life without the pains, trials, troubles, and concerns we all suffer or worry about in this mortal existence.

I testify that Jesus lives. He was and is the prophesied Messiah. He stands ready to bless us with that which we stand in need of including peace, rest, and strength to overcome all things. But most importantly, a life of eternal joy and love with the opportunity to become perfected in Him.

Robert King is the Cambridge branch president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: As we remember Jesus, let us ponder what is at stake