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THE SUFFERING OF CHRIST
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Hebrews 12:1-13
Isaiah 61:1-3
 
“… the LORD hath anointed me to preach
good tidings unto the meek …”
 
THE SUFFERING OF CHRIST
 
The Jews plotted to have Jesus tried. They colluded with one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot. They paid him thirty pieces of silver and he helped them to arrest Jesus. The injustice of the case was obvious from the beginning, but the unlawful trial still went ahead.
 
They brought Him before the high priest who sought false witnesses against Him. The high priest put a question to Jesus seeking confirmation if He was the Son of God. Jesus answered that He was, and they accused Him of blasphemy. They found Him guilty and desired to have Him put to death. However they did not have the authority under the Roman law to do so. Pilate the Roman governor sentenced Him to death although he confessed that he found no fault in Him. Jesus was crucified and He died. A soldier pierced His side with a spear and blood and water flowed out. He was thereafter buried in a tomb. This was the height of His suffering and humiliation. When the writer spoke of the endurance of Jesus, he was referring to this suffering that Jesus went through. Thus, we should not faint nor be weary when we live for Jesus. The battle with sin requires much sacrifice. Believers have not resisted sin unto blood. But it may become necessary to pay that price in defence of the gospel of Christ.
 
“For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds” (Heb 12:3). Jesus went to great length to pay the penalty of our sins. All who believe in Him do not need to suffer eternal damnation in hell for their sins. God offers this merit of Christ to repentant sinners. Though they do not deserve it, His grace reaches out to them.
 
THOUGHT: Look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith.
PRAYER: Father, I thank Thee that Jesus Christ suffered for me.

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