Why Did Jesus Have to Suffer

Why Did Jesus Have to Suffer?

Melissa HendersonBy Melissa Henderson5 Minutes

Why did Jesus have to suffer? Scripture tells of the pain and agony Jesus suffered on the cross. His emotional and spiritual pain began before the physical pain on the cross. God had a plan for His Son. Each moment of the earthly life of Jesus was filled with purpose. Each moment since His crucifixion to His coming again is filled with hope and promise. We can rest in God’s love and promises, knowing His plan is being fulfilled through Jesus.

The Bible shares the story of Mary learning she would give birth to a child. This extraordinary event would change the lives of everyone. Decisions would need to be made by Mary and Joseph. At first, Mary was troubled by the words of the angel who came to give her the news. (Luke 1:29-31) Then, Mary realized she was blessed by God. His will would be done.

People have asked, “Why did Jesus have to suffer?” He is the Son of God. In reading Scripture, we learn that Jesus was born to Mary, lived on this earth as a human with physical, emotional, and spiritual issues. Being the son of a carpenter named Joseph may have helped Jesus empathize with the ordinary person. Jesus was not placed on a pedestal to be worshipped during his time on earth. He was not adored by everyone. People in some towns believed and followed Jesus as He traveled and taught the Word of God. Those people loved Jesus and trusted His teachings. Others belittled Jesus and called for penalties for Jesus and those who followed Him.

Jesus endured emotional heartache and physical pain. The Bible shares how there were times when Jesus needed to be alone to pray to His Father. Just as Jesus went to the Father, we can go to the Father in prayer, too.

Through the heartache and pain He suffered, we are able to draw close and know that whatever we may have suffered in life or may be experiencing now, Jesus has already journeyed through those situations. Jesus not only suffered. He died for our sins.

As Jesus began preaching and sharing the Word of God, some people believed and followed Him. Others claimed to believe and yet, when they were confronted, they denied knowing Him. An emotional pain for Jesus. Though He knew the plan of God was being fulfilled, His heart was saddened by the ones who followed false teachings.

While Jesus prepared for the tough journey ahead, He spoke to God. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42 NIV) Jesus prayed and asked God for help. Then, submitting to God’s will and plan, Jesus continued.

God’s plan and timing are always best. We may not know the reason for the way life goes, but, we can find comfort in knowing we are loved and cherished by God. When we trust God, we can find peace and comfort.

Jesus died to atone for our sins. We all sin. We all fall short of the glory of God. Through the life, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we are no longer bound to sin. Yes, we still fail because we are human. As believers, we know our earthly home is temporary. Our eternal home is with God.

Scripture foretold of the coming events in the life and death of Jesus.

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 ESV).

Christians remember that God gave His only Son so that we may live. Thank You God. Hallelujah! He is Risen!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NIV)

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