We can all grow in our understanding of the purposeful suffering of King Jesus and respond by asking God to shape us to be more like Jesus and to shape our world in this way.
What were they expecting from King Jesus? Salvation. God predicted through Isaiah and others what this would require. King Jesus suffered in many ways, fulfilling this prophecy.
Suffering – to submit to or be forced to endure pain, distress, loss, or damage
“In the darkest night of our soul, we have something to hold on to that Job never knew. We know Christ crucified. Christians have learned that when there seems to be no other evidence of God’s love, they cannot escape the cross.” – D. A. Carson
Text: Isaiah 53
New Testament notes that Jesus fulfilled Isaiah 53: Matthew 8:14-17 John 12:37-38 Luke 22:35-38 1 Peter 2:19-25 Acts 8:26-35 Romans 10:11-21
1. King Jesus suffered in many ways for the purpose of our salvation.
King Jesus suffered in many ways for the purpose of our salvation and new spiritual life of freedom, peace, and joy to be ultimately fulfilled in Heaven forever.
Hebrews 2:9-18
2. King Jesus comforts us and leads us into his victory over our temporary suffering.
King Jesus leads us and helps us win victory over temporary suffering, attacks, and temptation because he has already done the same.
Hebrews 12:1-3
John 16:33
“Knowing that suffering is coming inoculates us from a shallow spirituality that believes pain can be avoided or attributes difficulties to unfaithfulness. It is no exception or failing when we suffer – it’s a baked-in fact of life. If we believe that our efforts or positive thinking will protect us from pain, we are set up for existential shock when it comes. Christ is forthright about this reality and invites us to accept both the inevitability of trouble and the assurance that he has overcome it. This reality is actually quite liberating.” – Strahan Coleman
Habakkuk 3:17-19
“Without ignoring the reality of suffering, Habakkuk turned his attention away from it and fixed his gaze upon the more serious and critical issue of salvation. He turned away from temporary trials to discover joy in “the God of my salvation,” the God who delivers him not only from present judgment, but, more important, from future judgment. That’s why he can sing.” – C. J. Mahaney Humility
Pastor James offers counsel. “Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray.” – James 5:13 CSB
James 5:7-11
3. As we follow the example of King Jesus’ victory over suffering, we are invited to participate in the Jesus Movement, bringing more people into this relationship with King Jesus.
2 Corinthians 4:7-15
Romans 5:1-8
Revelation 21:3-6
What do we learn about King Jesus?
1. King Jesus suffered in many ways for the purpose of our salvation.
2. King Jesus comforts us and leads us into his victory over our temporary suffering.
3. As we follow the example of King Jesus’ victory over suffering, we are invited to participate in the Jesus Movement, bringing more people into this relationship with King Jesus.
What should we do now?
1. Read some of today’s Scriptures looking for a clearer picture of King Jesus.
2. Write your description of the purposeful suffering of King Jesus.
3. Pray asking God to help you become more like King Jesus.
4. Write a prayer topic list of how our world can become more like the Kingdom of Jesus.
What do we pray for?
1. God, please help us better understand the purposeful suffering of King Jesus.
2. God, please help us better understand your perspective on the suffering around us and in our world today.
3. God, please bring about an end to needless suffering here in Baltimore, and across the world.
4. God, please help us receive comfort from you and the example of King Jesus.
5. God, please help us share your comfort with others.