Why did Jesus have to experience so much suffering?

Response

Jesus endured great suffering during His trials, torture, and crucifixion (Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19). His suffering was multifaceted: Isaiah 52:14 states, “There were many who were appalled at Him—His appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness.” His suffering extended to his emotions: “All the disciples deserted him and fled” «But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled. », (Matthew 26:56). His suffering also had a spiritual dimension: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us” «For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.», (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus bore the burden of the world’s sins «and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our’s only, but also for the sins of the whole world. », (1 John 2:2). It was our sin that led Jesus to cry out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” «And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? », (Matthew 27:46). Jesus’ intense physical suffering was compounded by His need to bear the weight of our sins and die to atone for our transgressions «But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. », (Romans 5:8).

Isaiah foretold Jesus’ suffering: “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3).

Rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces, he was despised, and we esteemed him not. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed” «He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. », (Isaiah 53:3,5) «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 53:3,5). This passage specifies the reason for Jesus’ suffering: “for our transgressions,” for our healing, and to bring us peace.

Jesus told His disciples that His suffering was certain: “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life” (Luke 9:22;cf: 17:25). Note the word must—He must suffer, and He must be killed. The suffering of Christ was God’s plan for the salvation of the world.

Psalm 22:14–18 details some of the suffering of the Messiah: “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.” In order for this and other prophecies to be fulfilled.illed, Jesus had to suffer.

Why did Jesus have to suffer so severely? The concept of the innocent dying for the guilty was established in the garden of Eden: Adam and Eve were given garments of animal skin to cover their shame «Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. », (Genesis 3:21)—thus, blood was shed in Eden. Later, this concept was reiterated in the Mosaic Law: “It is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life” (Leviticus 17:11;cf: Hebrews 9:22). Jesus had to suffer because suffering is part of sacrifice, and Jesus was “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” «The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. », (John 1:29). Jesus’ physical torture was part of the payment required for our sins. We are redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” «but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: », (1 Peter 1:19).

Jesus’ suffering on the cross revealed the destructive nature of sin, the wrath of God, the cruelty of humanity, and the hatred of Satan. At Calvary, mankind was permitted to do its worst to the Son of Man as He became the Redeemer of mankind. Satan may have thought he had achieved a great victory, but it was through the cross that the Son of God triumphed over Satan, sin, and death. “Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out” (John 12:31;cf: Colossians 2:15).

Jesus suffere

Jesus suffered and died to ensure salvation for all who would believe. On the night of His arrest, while praying in Gethsemane, He fully committed Himself to the task: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” «saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. », (Luke 22:42). The cup of suffering was not removed from Christ; He drank it all for us. There was no alternative way for our salvation.