To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
1 Peter 2:21,22
If you’re a parent, then you know what it’s like to suffer. You didn’t have to win an award for the world’s greatest mom or dad to suffer. Even if you were just a normal run-of-the-mill, average parent, you suffered. And if you think that you were just an awful parent, I’m certain that there were times that you suffered too.
There were many, many times that you chose some inconvenience, discomfort, and even pain for someone else. But not just any someone else. Your choice was made for someone you love. Someone you only wanted the absolute best for. You were willing to do something that was painful for you but helpful for your child.
Even if you’ve never been a parent, I’d bet my last nickel that you’ve done the same thing for someone. They weren’t your child, but you still choose to do something that helped someone else while giving up something of yourself.
When Peter says that Christ suffered, this wasn’t some accident where he was lost in space. He didn’t accidentally stub his toe. No one dinged his car in the parking lot. A tree didn’t fall on his house in a storm.
Not on your life. He chose to suffer. He left the throne of heaven where he had been for all eternity. He, God the Father, and God the Holy Spirit had lived together in perfect loving harmony forever and ever. The angels constantly worshipped him and cried out how great and holy he was[1]. Why would anyone leave that?
A few months ago, Mary Ann and I took a few days off to go to the beach together. I went all out and made reservations for a great, ocean front condo. We were on the 14th floor, so we had this view of the ocean that seemed to go on forever. It was beautiful. It was quiet. It was peaceful. And what made it even better for me was that there was no dog. More on that later.
So, when it came to check out, I really didn’t want to leave. I wanted to call up the owners and extend our stay by about a year. It was that great. This is only a very, very small comparison to describe what Jesus was willing to give up for us.
I love this about Jesus. He chose to do what was right over what was going to be comfortable for him. He saw what we needed most and he took the time and trouble to leave the glories of heaven for us. And who are we? We are sinners. We were rebellions against him. We were his enemies[2]. The old hymn says it so much better than I ever could.
He left His Father's throne above, So free, so infinite His grace;
Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled for Adam's helpless race;
'Tis mercy all, immense and free; For, O my God, it found out me[3].
Just in case you’re looking for the definition of love, this is it. If you want to understand what the love of God is really like, here it is. It’s not any kind of emotion. It’s not being hooked on a feeling. It’s not cute puppies and kitties. It’s hard core choosing the very best for someone and doing whatever is necessary to make it happen.
And how did Jesus come to Earth? He certainly had the right to come as a conquering king who roughly orders us to get down on our knees and stay there. He could have yelled orders at us, commanding us to pay for the mountains of our sins and disobedience.
But he came in humility. He came as a suffering servant[4]. Peter must have been thinking about Isaiah’s prophecy because he describes Jesus as someone who committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth[5].
Think about this for a minute. When we see someone suffering, our very first thought is, “I wonder what they did wrong?” But Jesus did nothing wrong. Or did he? Yes, he personally didn’t do anything wrong against God or people. But he took our penalty and debt we owed to God on himself. This made him guilty in front of God.
And what did Jesus get for this selfless choice? A trophy? Did they name a street after him in Israel? Was he invited to walk down a red carpet in front of flashing cameras and the entire world? Not exactly. His reward in this life was suffering.
Jesus chose to suffer in his life so that he would be lifted up in the life to come. This is the supreme definition of faith. Taking less now so God can give you more later. If we take the fast route and get the reward now, then “we will have received our reward.[6]” If Jesus chose to receive his reward later by choosing suffering today, shouldn’t that be the way we live? To make suffering choices just like he did?
Noodling Questions
Why is it that we run away from suffering?
Ever thought that the benefits of suffering might outweigh the pain? Explain.
List three ways that Jesus’ suffering bas changed your life. Describe.
[1] Isaiah 6:3
[2] Romans 5:8-10
[3] And can it be, Charles Wesley (1738)
[4] Isaiah 52:13-53:12
[5] Isaiah 53:9
[6] Matthew 6:1-6
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