Cross to Glory

The Cross of Calvary symbolizes the complete identification of Son of Man in human suffering. "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we areâ€"yet he did not sin." (Hebrews 4:15) He was tempted, tried, tested in every way like any other human being. The Old Rugged Cross is an inspiration for those who go through pain, suffering, hardships, and rejection. At least there are five areas in which our Lord Jesus Christ endured the suffering that is common to us.

Physical Pain: As an adolescent I used to think that Lord Jesus Christ as Son of God was exempt from pain. Even though he had to endure whippings by cruel Roman soldiers and nailing and public hanging, he did not realize the pain was my assumption. Not only adolescents, many adults also think that his sufferings were painless as he was privileged. However, the Scripture clearly teaches that he experienced physical pain. The pain of pricking crown of thorns, nail pierced hands and feet, whipped and ploughed back, bruised arms that carried the heavy wooden beams, dehydration and thirst, and piercing of spear all contributed to the immense pain he suffered. Rarely people suffer such combination of pains. He was a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. (Isaiah 53:3) He was so battered, bruised that "He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him." (Isaiah 53:2) So, when we go through physical pain, Lord Jesus understands it and could truly empathize with us.

Mental Agony: Mental tension and stress are part of modern day vocabulary. The purpose of His mission to carry the burden of the Sin of the whole universe needed his whole being under stress. The task was great; he needed inner resources harnessed for the purpose. He had to carry out the task all alone and he cannot seek assistance from his Father or angels or men. Even if he sought, they were not in a position to help him. He was despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:3). He was publicly humiliated, rejected by the masses that chose Barabbas, ignored by religious leaders, and disowned by his own people. It is possible for us to inflict mental pain to our Lord. When we are rebellious or disobedient or choose sin, we cause his mental pain.

Emotional turmoil: Lord Jesus spent most of his time with the twelve designated Apostles. He loved them (John 13:1), however the love was not reciprocated in fullest measure. Judas descended to meanest level that he sold his master for just thirty pieces of silver. He sold his master for the price of a slave. Peter, a dynamic and vibrant personality denied the Lord three times. The temptation was from a weak source – a slave girl. Except for John others disappeared from the scene – went into hiding. Being separated and forsaken by those whom he loved was emotional turmoil indeed. When our First love becomes cold, we could cause emotional pain to Lord Jesus Christ. It is possible for us to deny him, doubt him or even betray him by our words or deeds.

Spiritual alienation: "My God, My God Why you have forsaken me," (Matthew 27:46) was a heart rending cry, or lament from the Cross. Lord Jesus who was so closely associated and in constant fellowship with the Father was separated because of the burden of the Sin of the world placed on him. This disconnect had immense implication for Son always watched His Father active and did what the Father did (John 10:37). God of Justice had to hide his face as the Son of God had to take the Penalty and Punishment of the Sin of the whole world. Prophet Isaiah wrote: "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." (Isaiah 53:4-5)

Social rejection: "He was despised and rejected by mankind." (Isaiah 53:3) "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him." (Acts 10:38) However people did not respond to the good he did but responded with evil. Religious leaders were envious and so handed over to political authorities. They also instigated the mob to choose Barabbas and reject Jesus. The religious bosses, political leaders and common people socially rejected him. Ostracism by a community is a painful experience. Lord Jesus was rejected by the Jewish Nation, Culture and Religious system of Judaism.

Challenge: Lord Jesus went through all aspects of human suffering in the most cruel and violent form. So, he is able to sympathize, emphasize and understand our sufferings. As the Good Friday is tragedy that was followed by Darkness of Saturday and resulted in Victory on Easter Sunday; those who trust in Him would see the final victory without fail. Easter was a miracle delayed so are our miracles that are delayed but not denied. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him (Philippians 1:29). Sufferings in Christian life is reminder of the Cross and assurance about the Resurrection and final Victory.