Consider Jesus

No one knows suffering more than Jesus did. He had it all: the physical, the emotional, the psychological, and the spiritual pains. Why did He bear such suffering?

The physical pains are well known especially after Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ hit mainstream media. Just a quick note about those: Pilate had Him flogged to spare crucifying Him. He was either to be flogged or crucified. But popular opinion overruled Pilate’s intentions. He was flogged and crucified so the prophecy in Isaiah 53 would be fulfilled.

What about the emotional and psychological pains? His own family members mistreated Him. His townsfolk did not believe in Him. He had nowhere to call home. Women were supporting His ministry. He felt misunderstood especially by the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Teachers of the Law. His disciples firmly believed His kingdom was an earthly kingdom. Some followed Jesus just to be occasionally fed. What about all the ones He healed? How many really appreciated Him and what He did for them? He felt loneliness especially the last night before His arrest. Judas betrayed Him. Peter denied knowing Him. All disciples abandoned Him at His arrest. He was rejected by most. Did He retaliate? Jesus knew all of this and never stooped down to humankind’s level. His love caused Him to overlook many, many things including ignorance.

What about spiritual pains? He carried all of our transgressions and trespasses onto Himself. He was sacrificed in our place. God, the Father, turned His face away from Jesus while crucified. He felt rejected by the Father. Where had Jesus gone after His death and before His resurrection?  Has He gone down into the heart of the earth?

as He

How does one know if what he or she is experiencing is real love? “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 is a memorized verse by many. God loved and gave. It goes hand in hand. Real love is all about giving of self especially. God gave Himself in Jesus. Love drove Jesus to take on humble human form to be a sacrifice for mere dust. He became the bridge that reconciles human to the Father. He gave us the right to call God, ‘Abba Father’. Through His suffering He healed us of all infirmity whether physical, emotional, psychological, or spiritual. Through His suffering He can commiserate and empathize with us during our suffering.  While suffering, He thought of us above all. http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=AjYiEyu8Si8

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank you for you and all you do for us continually. Life is so much richer for you are in it. Please do your will in the lives of your children. Please be glorified in your children. Thank you.

Happy Resurrection Day!!!