Suffering

Bible In A Year | Read: Luke 23

32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” Luke 23:32-35

Overview of Chapter

Jesus could not be put to death by the Jewish courts because the Romans had placed that restriction on the Jews. So, Jesus had to be tried by the Roman governor, Pilate. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent but had him crucified anyway. Like the Pharisees, he was more interested in the opinion of the people than doing the right thing.

Jesus was subject to a series of unfair trials where he was accused of things that were not true. For most, this would be a difficult thing to endure, but Jesus suffered in silence. He was prepared to die on our behalf. He was willing to be humiliated for us. What are you willing to sacrifice for him?

Thoughts on the verses

When we see evil or go through a season of suffering it often makes us cry out to God, “Why?” That’s how suffering boxes us in. Because suffering doesn’t make sense. How do you respond when you or a family member receives some discouraging news from the doctor? A job you were counting on falls through? You find out that the girl or guy of your dreams doesn’t feel the same about you? You lose a loved one? A natural disaster strikes, destroying thousands of innocent lives? Everything in us knows this is not the way it’s supposed to be. 

God feels the same way. Evil and suffering were never His desire for us. But as sin and death entered into the world, we were destined to suffer. In sending Jesus to earth, we learn that God doesn’t let us suffer alone. And through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, we learn that we have a God that does answer the “why do bad things happen?” as He takes on the punishment for our sins. Sin and evil are so bad that, not only does it cost us everything, it also cost God everything.  

We’re often told to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps, but there are valleys in life that we aren’t capable of climbing out of on our own. The strongest people of faith are the ones who know their weaknesses and surrender them to the God who holds the universe in the palm of His hand. The only thing that can bring true and lasting peace is the presence of God.

Action Steps

Bible: What is God showing me?  What am I going to do about it? 

Bless: Serve one person through word, action, or gift today.

Have you ever thought it would be cool to hear some C3 leaders discuss the daily verses, share about their lives and mostly just talk about nonsense?  Of course not!…even though nobody has ever thought that we are still doing it.  You can follow along with us each morning in a brand new podcast – Monday Comments & Short Shorts Fashion Trends.