April 20: LEARNING FROM SUFFERING
…though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. Hebrews 5:8
The victory of life over death in the resurrection of Jesus is a central pillar of Christianity, right beside His voluntary self-sacrifice on our behalf. Leaving the glory He had with the Heavenly Father, in full humanity, He came to us as a baby. He grew and learned, just as other children. Every conceivable emotion came upon the Son of Man as He walked in this world. Though He was the Creator of all, He had entered into enemy territory. Satan had usurped the position of ruler of this world through persuasive and deceptive measures. To this day, most of the world believes that disobeying the Lord is a trivial matter and/or in their best interest.
Jesus learned total trust and dependence upon His heavenly Father, evidenced by His prayers. He chose to “do battle” in the secret place (Matthew 6:6), exercising His human will to align with the will of His Heavenly Father. It became impossible for Jesus to doubt His Father, and this should become true of each of us. We can and should become more certain of Him than anything or anyone else.
As a compassionate Shepherd, He cared deeply for His “sheep” and enjoyed time with people at every age and stage of life. In becoming our substitutionary sacrifice, His love for mankind cannot be called into question. But as the hour of His betrayal and arrest was closing in, sin’s terrible weight pressed upon His soul. Its darkness and horror was to come down fully upon His shoulders bringing the long-anticipated and indescribably painful separation from His Father. Jesus would die of a broken heart. “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39).
No doubt, Jesus felt a longing for the companionship of His closest friends. Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” (vv.40-41a). But rousing the sleepy disciples for His own comfort was not a priority. Excusing them, He said, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (v.41b).
Three times He prayed that this ordeal be taken away. Yet, the Man of sorrows (Isaiah 53:3) who had already suffered disappointment and pain that we know nothing about, added to each of His pleas “nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” From before this world was created, the Son’s role as the Lamb of God was solemnly agreed upon. Nothing in all of history comes closer to the depth of divine love, and its accompanying pain, than the act that made possible the offer of new life – eternal life! – to mankind.
…though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. Hebrews 5:8-9
THE LORD IS RISEN INDEED!