Jesus' Sufferings...

Sometimes, when I reflect, it seems like an easy statement when we say “Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins or He paid the penalty of our sins.” But the gospel accounts of how Jesus paid the penalty for our sins speaks in detail about the great suffering he had went through. Lord Jesus Christ suffered physically, mentally and spiritually for us. Perhaps, the sufferings of Lord Jesus was beyond the verbal expression of Gospel writers.

Physical suffering: - Lord Jesus Christ faced six long trials. He was on His feet for nine hours during which He was taken place to place, whipped, slapped, spat upon, humiliated and beaten by soldiers & own people, physically broken by carrying the heavy cross among other physical assault. His body was dangling on two hands and legs that were nailed to the cross he carried up the mountain which severed his bones and joints causing unbearable pain. Ps.22:6,7; Is. 53:2-5 describes the dreadful condition of His physical sufferings. Lord Jesus Christ hung on the cross for six hours. Crucifixion was a severe form of punishment which meant a very slow and painful death by suffocation.
Friends, Jesus had gone through sever physical suffering which is beyond our description. He knows our physical suffering, sickness & pain very well because in the flesh He experienced far more than us. So, let’s call Him for His healing touch.

Emotional suffering: - He was crucified outside the city to make an example to everyone who passed by that road. He was numbered among criminals. His cross was raised few inches above earth so He should not touch earth and to show that even He not belongs to heaven and He was left hanging in mid-air naked on the cross. This was emotional shame & humiliation for a Jew, more worse for a Jewish Rabbi. There were people mocking and calling him names Lk.23:35-38.

Friends, In spite of His emotional & physical suffering He was thoughtful to take care of His mother. He teaches us that how to overcome emotional suffering, tensions & depression while he was still suffering. We learn that comparing to the pain & suffering of others, we’ll find that our own pain & suffering are nothing He taught by an example that we need to Pray & help others, even those who are hurting us.

Spiritual suffering: - His spiritual sufferings were worse than His physical & emotional. He had not only taken our sins but became sin for us. He bore the sins of all the people, generations once for all. When the nature grieved and darkness covered the whole earth for three hours. It was Lord God’s judgment that He turned His face away from Lord Jesus Christ because He was carrying our sin, shame and disgrace. With agony He cried out loud “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” First time Father and Son were separated.

Friends, He had adequately provided for God’s judgment by paying with His life for us and rose up from the dead, so we will be never separated from God. He has reconciled us with God. All we need to do is ‘Accept him as our personal Lord and Savior, and follow his path in obedience. Praise God! He is Emmanuel - always with us. I encourage you to share this good news with as many of your friends as you can. God bless you.

Rev. Varinder Kumar