Jesus suffered for us so we could be called to faith, forgiven, and receive eternal life. This is the best gift anyone could receive. Some of the most thankful Christians I have met are those who were adults when Jesus called them to faith. These newborn believers knew what walking in darkness and bondage was like and how Jesus freed them from the pit of despair.
Satan may have thought he had derailed God’s plan when he led Adam and Eve into sin, but that was untrue. Paul tells us that God planned to redeem us before Adam and Eve fell into sin. Ephesians 1:4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.[1]
Jesus Predicts His Death
As Jesus journeyed with His disciples, He told them plainly that He would give His life to save humankind. Matthew 16:21 From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day, he would be raised from the dead. [2]
Although Jesus would plainly tell them several times, it never seemed to sink into their hearts. This shows us how dependent we are on the Lord to reveal what He says in His word. How often have I read the word when a passage or word suddenly stands out like I had not seen it before? Like us, the disciples are flawed and sinful, yet the Lord still used them to build His Kingdom.
Jesus Suffered For You
Our hearts are filled with pain when we reflect on how Jesus suffered for us. First, a crown of thorns was pressed into His head, causing blood to run down His face. Then soldiers whipped Him so severely it ripped flesh away. To add to His suffering, He was nailed to the cross. The physical pain must have been horrible as He was crucified, but our sins being poured out was His greatest suffering.
Jesus’ suffering was not in vain because His sacrifice enabled us to receive forgiveness. Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. [3] Jesus took the punishment you and I deserve. This resulted in the healing of our relationship with God. Jesus is a blessing to us who rescued us from what we deserve in His grace, mercy, and love.
To learn how Jesus suffered for us, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/follow-who-is-jesus
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.