THE PAINS, THE CHANGE

Post date: Apr 5, 2012 11:27:14 AM

“From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day” Matthew 16:21

Christ Jesus in this passage mentioned clearly three things that will happen to Him as He entered Jerusalem. (1) He will suffer. (2) He will be killed. (3) He will rise again on the third day.

These three things were so specific and each is very important. His suffering was not as result of any mistake or sin He committed. But was brought on Him to show His human nature and to show us how He did suffer for us. The suffering brought Him great pains that changed the world forever, it also changed Christianity forever. His suffering did not change Him but changed us. Did not give Him any confidence but gave us the confidence we need in our struggles in life.

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” Isaiah 53:5

It is always joyful when pains produce joy which is lasting. We are in the Passion Week, the most painful period in the life and ministry of Christ Jesus, the most painful period in His life that brought endless joy to all who believes and will ever come to believe in Him.

He took the pains not for Himself but for us, not because He was guilty but because we were guilty, not because He made any fatal mistake but because we all went astray through Adam’s disobedience to God in the Garden of Eden and our individual sins and disobedience.

Christ did not die just for the sake of dying. He did not die suddenly; He died for a purpose, to fulfill the Father’s desire for full restoration of man back to Himself. Christ came to show man the way to the Father, He suffered in our place and died to permanently overcome the power of dead and to open the door, removing all hindrances and ensuring we will be with Him forever.

In His suffering He was cruelly judged; His last week on earth were in serious personal agony, He prayed as He never did before and demanded His disciples to pray. He was betrayed by a close associate, arrested by a combine team of soldiers from the chief priest and scribes. He was made to face charges of crimes He never committed but falsely brought up against Him. He was accused by the people, interrogated and judged by Pontius Pilate, denied of basic freedom and water to drink. In His suffering He was stripped naked, buffeted, bitten and made to carry His cross. He was forsaken by the same people who hailed Him just three days before on His way to the temple in Jerusalem; people He had spent time and years with, teaching, healing, comforting, restoring hope without charging a dime.   

He was left alone at the time He needed human companion most. One of His disciples denied Him while others just walked away on Him. But despite the activities of men against Him, God the Father did not leave Him alone. At your trial times, people close and friendly before may decide to keep their distance, deny or frustrate you, but one thing is sure, God will not deny any one in every situation.  “But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee” Isaiah 43:1-2

His suffering was for us, to change our life and to deliver us from al satanic tortures.

Take a moment; thank Christ Jesus for suffering for your freedom. The suffering was painful and the change is joyful and permanent. HAPPY EASTER