I Believe in Jesus' Suffering

Minister:
Date: AM
Text: Isaiah 53; Lord's Day 15
Psalters: 178, 334, 184, 157
  1. The suffering.
    1. Various characteristics of Jesus’ suffering.
    2. Jesus’ suffering was as a real man (God cannot suffer) suffering in His human nature (body and soul).
      1. He suffered physically.
      2. He suffered in His soul (John 12:27; Luke 22:44; Matt. 26:37,38).
    3. His suffering was voluntary, for He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Phil. 2:8). In doing such, He demonstrated the greater love of laying down His life for His friends (John 15:13).
  2. Jesus knew the purpose for His suffering.
    1. Negatively, the purpose was not to be a martyr for his principles, or an example to be followed.
    2. The purpose of Jesus’ suffering was to make payment for sin; He gave the sacrifice which made satisfaction.
    3. He suffered for whom?  Catechism says, "the sins of all mankind."
      1. This is not for every human in this world (John 10:14 with Matt. 7:23; John 10:11,26; and there is a hell).
      2. Only for all of the sins of the elect:  "I lay down My life for My sheep," (John 6:39; 10:15); save His people (Matt. 1:21).
      3. “All mankind” conveys the Scriptural teaching that all of the elect together form the essence of mankind.
  3. Jesus’ suffering bore fruit.
    1. Let us walk humbly as we learn how horrible sin is in what and how much Jesus had to suffer because of our sin.
    2. His suffering actually atoned, made real and full payment (John 10: 28; I Peter 2:24; Col. 1:21,22).
    3. He bore God's wrath completely, so God has no more wrath against us - ever (Rom. 8:32-35).