“SUFFERING FOR A PURPOSE”

Suffering, by definition, is not pleasant. Most of us, if given the choice, would go for the option that doesn’t bring suffering.

However, there are times when we might choose to undergo suffering for a specific purpose. For example, we might put up with hours chained to our desks in order to get a better result in our exams (HSC anyone?). Or we might get up bright and early to go for a run or to the gym in order to get fit or lose some kilos. Sometimes we even choose to suffer for the good of others, such as family or even for our “country”.

In John 15:13 Jesus says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends”. These were, of course, no empty words or pious platitudes; for Jesus came with the express purpose of doing just that ... laying down His life for us.

In Isaiah 53, written some 700 years before Jesus’ birth, we see this was always a part of God’s plan. The Servant was always intended to give His life to pay for the sins of others. What an amazing love He has for us!

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