Jesus redeems our suffering
John 19:17-18, “And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center.”
Hebrews 12:2, “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Philippians 3:10, “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,”
Acts 5:41, “Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.”
Jesus’ death on the cross deals with the problems of sin and death but it also gives meaning to our suffering. His suffering was perfect, the separation of God from God the ultimate tearing. All human suffering pales in comparison. Through our limited window on suffering we get a glimpse of what it cost Jesus to die for us. This gives us a point of fellowship with him. The cross redeems even our suffering as it brings us closer to his heart.
Luke 23:39-43, “Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”
But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.”Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
In the tableaux John gives us of three crosses we have a metaphor for all of humanity. Two thieves, dying for their own sin. One repentant the other unrepentant and Jesus in the center. We are all thieves of God’s glory dying for our own sins. Some come to repentance, some do not. Still Jesus is the center.
brotherpayne 