This week, we’ll be focusing our attention on the sufferings of Jesus, culminating in His death by crucifixion on a Roman cross. The physical agony that Christ endured was intense! That being said, it was as nothing compared to the non-physical spiritual suffering He went through. In addition to the physical torture, Jesus also suffered by having the sins of His people placed upon Him. As all-holy God, the One too pure to look upon evil, this must have been sheer agony! He also suffered abandonment by His Father. In a spectacle too difficult to grasp, the eternal Father, one in essence with the eternal Son, forsook Him at Calvary. And in what must have been the worst suffering of all, Jesus absorbed the full, white-hot, searing wrath of righteous, holy God against the sin of His people. Such torment we cannot begin to understand.

In preparation for our time looking into the suffering of Jesus in greater detail, it would be a great idea to read through the events of the days leading up to and including Jesus’ death and burial. These can be found in Matt. 26:1-27:66, Mark 14:10-15:47, Luke 22:1-23:56, and John 18:1-19:42. Take a look again at Is. 52:13-53:12. As you read these passages of holy Scripture, think about the suffering that Jesus went through. More importantly, consider what they earned for Him and for believers. Finally, spend a little time mulling over Rom. 4:24-25 and 5:6-11. How do we see love in the suffering of Jesus? What should be our response (hint: read Rom. 6:1-12)?

Here’s a copy of my class notes, if you find that helpful.