Why Jesus Was a Man of Sorrows

Have you noticed that Jesus never laughed during his three-year ministry of proclaiming the Kingdom? He might have chuckled as a child but all the biblical accounts picture him as being serious.

In the Old Testiment's greatest prophecy regarding Christ, we read of an individual who was deeply troubled. Isaiah 53:3 (BBE) prophesied, "Men made sport of him, turning away from him; he was a man of sorrows, marked by disease; and like one from whom men's faces are turned away, he was looked down on, and we put no value on him."

Our Lord knew in advance that he was headed for a brutal death and an even more brutal betrayal by one of his own disciples. We read in John 12:27 (BBE) how he felt as his impending crucifixion approached. "Now is my soul troubled; and what am I to say? Father, keep me from this hour. No: for this purpose have I come to this hour."

We also read that Christ knew when it wasn't time for him to die. After saying he was sent from God, the temple rulers wanted to arrest him. John 7:30 (BBE) tells us, "Then they had a desire to take him: but no man put hands on him because his hour was still to come."

But Christ did make a pun once. Simon received the name Peter, which means a little rock, after he declaired that Jesus was the messiah. Matthew 16:18 (BBE) tells us, "And I say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock will my church be based, and the doors of hell will not overcome it." The big rock was the truth of Jesus being the Christ, the Son of God.

Even so, Christ's life was anything but easy during his preaching ministry. It even started off with threats against his life. When Jesus read part of Isaiah chapter sixty-two in Nazareth, the people realized that he was declairing himself the messiah. Luke 4:29 and 30 (BBE) tells what happened next. "And they got up and took him out of the town to the edge of the mountain on which their town was, so that they might send him down to his death. But he came through them and went on his way."

In light of all this, there is a silver lining for us in his difficulties. Christ understands experientially what it's like when we suffer. Hebrews 2:17 and 18 BBE) informs us, "Because of this it was necessary for him to be made like his brothers in every way, so that he might be a high priest full of mercy and keeping faith in everything to do with God, making offerings for the sins of the people. For having been put to the test himself, he is able to give help to others when they are tested."

I'm putting together a book called You Think You're Going to Heaven? Far too many churchgoers assume that their church affiliation and infant baptism will get them through the pearly gates but they're hellward bound.

On Thursday, I hope to post about how trials help us help others.

Why Was Christ Crucified?

Continuing on with this month's theme, I need to explain why Christ was crucified. Jesus himself explained why in John 3:16 (KJV). "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

From the beginning, God's plan of salvation called for his son to be the substitute to take the punishment of those who would put their lives in his hands. He promised this way back in Genesis 3:15. The King James Version reads, "And I (God) will put enmity between thee (Satan) and the woman, (Eve) and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." This "seed" is none other than Jesus Christ. The "him" in that passage is the Devil.

Isaiah 53:5 (KJV)foretold Christ's atoning work.  "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

Furthermore, Jesus was no hapless victim, as some folks believe but a willing saviour who died and rose to save his followers. John 10:18 (KJV) reads, "No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father."

Being human as well as divine, Jesus still had his qualms about being our spiritual whipping boy. John 12:27 (KJV) records him as saying, "Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour:' but for this cause came I unto this hour."

Jesus could have easily chickened out but he staid the course. John 18:37 (KJV) describes how he was resolute in his purpose. "Pilate therefore said unto him, 'Art thou a king then?' Jesus answered, 'Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.'"

Christ knew what his sacrifice would eventually accomplish. Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) explains, "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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

In addition to having all power and authority in heaven and earth, Christ is our go-between, advocating our case to his heavenly Father. As Hebrews 9:15 (KJV) explains, "And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance."

Additionally, Christ always had the long view in mind. 1 Corinthians 15:28 (KJV) shows this when Paul wrote, "And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all."

What an awesome truth this is! From before creation, the Trinity agreed on this mighty plan to provide Christ a gift, meaning those who would believe in him, so he could lay us at the Father's feet as a token of his love.

I hope to write much more on this mind-boggling rescue mission and gift of love in a book called You Think You're Going to Heaven? If people could have even a glimpse of how comprehensive the Lord's plan is, it would astonish them and even cause them to surrender to Christ's will.