Suffering and the Man Jesus

Introduction

When you think of human suffering, who is the first person in the Bible who comes to mind?

The Suffering of the Psalmist

Psalm 88

The Psalmists’ salvation (v. 1b).

This first half of verses one is as good as it gets!

The Psalmist is suffering (v. 1-2).

He is not having an easy time here!

The fact that he is “crying out” indicates great feelings of distress.

The Psalmist is suffering emotionally (v. 3-7)

His soul is full of troubles.

He feels like he is going to die.

He feels like he has no strength.

He feels like he is going to be separated from God.

He feels a deep darkness.

He feels like God’s wrath is overwhelming him.

The Psalmist is suffering relationally (v. 8-12).

He is struggling in his relationship with his friends.

He feels like they don’t want to be around him.

He feels trapped, not knowing how to reconcile these relationships.

He has cried so much it is hard to see.

He is struggling in his relationship with God.

He feels like God is the cause of his troubled friendships (v.8)

He feels like God is ignoring him (v.9)

He feels like he is dying (10-12).

The Psalmist is suffering spiritually (v. 13-18).

He feels like God has rejected him.

He feels like he is going to die for the third time.

He feels like he has been suffering for a long time, “From my youth up” (v.15)

He feels helpless.

He feels like God’s wrath is directed towards him.

He feels like God is going to destroy him.

He feels like God has turned his family and his friends against him.

He feels like he is surrounded in darkness.

The Suffering of Paul

Has anyone ever heard someone say, “God never gives you more than you can handle.”

Where does that come from?

2 Corinthians 1:3-11; 6:3-10

The Purpose of Suffering (v.3-7)

The Father of all mercies wants to comfort you!

So that we can comfort those who are being afflicted.

As we share in each others sufferings, we also share in each others comfort.

As we share in Christs’ sufferings, we share in his comfort!

The Situation of Suffering (v. 8-9)

You are not alone! (v.8)

Summarize Paul’s suffering from 6:3-10.

You may suffer beyond what you can bear.

Your suffering may cause you to feel like your dying.

The Solution to Suffering (v. 10-11)

Rely on God!

Believe that God will deliver you!

We must help each other by praying for each other. Matthew 7:7 “Ask and it will...”

The Suffering of the Man Named Jesus

Recount the activities leading up to the Garden of Gethsemane.

Read: Matthew 26:36-46

Jesus was Sorrowful

This wasn't just any sorrow, this was overwhelming sorrow.

He was experiencing extreme distress and deep grief.

Jesus was in Anguish

In his supreme agony, Jesus longs for support from the three men who have become his dearest friends.

Jesus’ anguish was so deep that it threatened his life before he even reached the cross (v. 38).

Jesus falls on his face and begs the Father for another way.

Jesus was Obedient

“...not as I will, but as you will.” “Your will be done.”

Jesus has Destroyed Suffering and Death

Conclusion: Jesus is the solution to suffering.

Jesus is your High Priest.

Hebrews 4:14-16

Jesus is your source for eternal life.

Hebrews 5:7-10

Jesus is Beyond Our Comprehension

2 Corinthians 4:16-18