“Surely He took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered Him punished by God, stricken by Him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds, we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” – Isaiah 53:4-6 NIV
Introduction
As we step into Good Friday, the reality of the weight of Jesus’ suffering comes sharply into focus. This is not just a historical event; it is a divine moment that changed the course of humanity forever. Over two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ endured a brutal crucifixion—one of the most excruciating forms of execution. But more than the physical agony, He bore the spiritual weight of the world’s sin.
His suffering was not an accident. It was intentional. It was redemptive. And it was for you and me.
WHY DID HE SUFFER? WHAT DOES HIS DEATH MEAN FOR US?
The Cross of Christ is more than a religious symbol. It is the intersection where divine justice, mercy, love, and power meet. Jesus’ death was not just the tragic end of a good man—it was the triumphant climax of God’s eternal plan to redeem a broken world.
Let us reflect on the manifold significance of His suffering:
1. The Cross Reveals God’s Unfailing Love
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8 NIV
The love that drove Jesus to the cross is beyond human comprehension. He didn’t wait for us to be good enough. He came while we were lost, broken, indifferent—even rebellious. The Cross is God’s ultimate “I love you” to humanity.
2. The Cross Satisfies Divine Justice
God is holy and just. Sin cannot go unpunished. But instead of pouring His judgment on us, He placed it on His Son. “God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God’s anger against us… He did this to demonstrate His righteousness.” –Romans 3:25-26 NLT.
Through Jesus, we are no longer condemned. We are declared not guilty—justified—through faith.
3. The Cross Demonstrates God’s Wisdom and Power
To the world, the Cross seems like failure. But in God’s economy, it is the very power that saves. “To those who are being saved, the message of the cross is the power of God… This foolish plan of God is far wiser than the wisest of human plans.” – 1 Corinthians 1:18, 25 NLT
Where human wisdom ends, God’s wisdom begins. The Cross defies logic, yet it liberates souls.
4. The Cross Declares Victory Over Evil
“He forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us… He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities.” – Colossians 2:13-15 NLT
Satan’s accusations no longer have power over us. On the Cross, Jesus didn’t just die—He won. He crushed every chain that kept humanity bound.
WHAT DID THE CROSS ACHIEVE FOR US?
The impact of Jesus’ suffering goes far beyond forgiveness. It transforms every aspect of our spiritual life.
1. Forgiveness of Sins
No sin is too great. No past is too dark. Through Christ, we are forgiven—completely and permanently. “God made you alive with Christ. He forgave all our sins.” – Colossians 2:13 NLT
2. Justification and Peace With Go
We are no longer enemies of God. Through Jesus, we have peace, not panic; closeness, not separation. “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 5:1 NIV
3. Reconciliation and a New Mission
We are not only reconciled to God—we are now agents of reconciliation in a hurting world. “And God has given us this task of reconciling people to Him.” – 2 Corinthians 5:18 NLT
4. A Name Above Every Name
Because of His obedience, Jesus has been exalted above all. His name carries authority over every circumstance. “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” – Philippians 2:10-11 NLT
HOW SHOULD WE THEN RESPOND?
Jesus didn’t go to the Cross so we could carry on with life as usual. His suffering calls for a response—one that touches how we live, think, speak, and serve.
1. Live in Purity and Truth
“Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us. So let us celebrate… with sincerity and truth.” – 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 NLT
Let’s walk in truth—not just believe it. Let’s forsake hypocrisy, bitterness, and sin, and embrace the new life Jesus purchased for us.
2. Approach God with Confidence
You are no longer an outsider. You can now enter God’s presence freely—not because of your perfection, but because of Christ’s.
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy…” – Hebrews 4:16 NLT
CONCLUSION
The Cross is the turning point of human history—and of our personal stories. Jesus’ suffering was not a sign of defeat, but the beginning of victory for all who believe. His pain purchased our peace. His wounds won our healing. His death gave us life.
So as we remember His suffering this week, let’s not rush past it. Let it sink deep into your heart. Let it humble you. Let it fill you with gratitude. And let it move you to live for Him who died for you.
Stay blessed!
Please note that the preaching program on Sunny 88.7 FM – Tuesdays at 5:30 am has been temporarily put on hold. However, please continue to join us on Asempa 94.7 FM – Sundays at 5:30 am and YFM 107.9 – Sundays at 6:30 am for our Radio Bible Study, as well as on Sunny 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 pm for Hymns and Their Stories
