To Be Pierced

Isaiah described a mysterious figure who would suffer for the sake of God's people. When the early Christians reflected on what Jesus did on the cross, they realized that Jesus was whom Isaiah described. They also realized that suffering was central to the Messiah's mission. What does this mean for us?

Here are some key points from today's sermon:

1. Suffering wasn't just a by-product of Jesus' mission as Messiah. It was central to what Jesus was anointed to do as Messiah.

2. Though suffering is unavoidable, it can be difficult for us to talk about suffering, or at least to talk about it well.

3. Focusing on Jesus' suffering on the cross helps us talk about our suffering, or the suffering we see in the world.

4. Jesus, as the messiah, was anointed to suffer. But, more importantly, he was anointed to overcome suffering through the cross and resurrection.

5. Therefore, we can place our suffering on the cross with Jesus, trusting that he also overcame whatever it is we suffer from.

Isaiah 53 in the New Testament

Here are some of the places where Isaiah 53 is quoted in the New Testament:

Matthew 8:17
Mark 15:28
Luke 22:37
John 12:38
Acts 8
Romans 10:16
1 Peter 2:22

Quotes on Suffering

Here are some quotes on suffering from a few theologians.

German theologian Jurgen Moltmann, whose book "The Crucified God" opened up significant discussion on suffering, writes: God is "... not recognized by his power and glory in the history of the world, but through his helplessness and his death on the scandal of the cross of Jesus Christ."

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who opposed Hitler in World War 2 in Germany and eventually gave his life for this opposition, after spending years in prison, writes, "To endure the cross is not a tragedy; it is the suffering which is the fruit of an exclusive allegiance to Jesus Christ."

And John Calvin, one of the most important reformers of the Church from the 1500s, wrote: "The sufferings of Christ are the means of the forgiveness of sin and eternal glory."

Many theologians and writers have upheld Christ's suffering as central to Christ's work in the world and Christ's work in our lives.

St. Teresa, though, gives us an important reminder about not elevating suffering in and of itself, when she writes, ""Suffering is nothing by itself. But suffering shared with the passion of Christ is a wonderful gift, the most beautiful gift, a token of love."

The Christian faith has been clear that first reflecting on Christ's suffering helps us to talk about and understand the suffering we experience and witness in the world.

GROWTH GROUP / PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. In what ways have you experienced or witnessed suffering?

2. Suffering isn't always the easiest topic to discuss. Do you find it easy or difficult to talk about suffering?

3. Does the idea that Jesus died not only for our sins but also for all the problems caused by Sin change your understanding of what Jesus accomplished on the cross?

4. Is there suffering in your life that you can lift up to the cross and trust that Jesus died to redeem, also?

Next step:

Reflect on Christ's suffering and then pray that God would help you to place whatever suffering you experience or witness on the cross with Jesus.

Questions for Parents with Children

1. What is something that was really, really difficult that you had to do that you didn't want to? How did you get through this experience?

2. Jesus had to experience something very, very painful when he went to the cross. But, he did it so that the things you experience won't be as bad. Does it give you comfort that Jesus was willing to do this?

3. In the future, when difficult times come, how can you best remind yourself that Jesus experienced what you're going through?