READ Matthew 27:27-50
Jesus Suffers for His People
Today, I saw a woman crying on the bus. A grown woman crying so hard after receiving terrible news on the phone that she couldn't contain her tears as she rode the bus. I couldn't help wondering what news she had received, and how I could help this stranger in pain.
Always, my first reaction when I see someone suffering is to offer help, practical care, solutions. Dry up those tears, I say, we're going to get out of this. And, hopefully, we'll get out of this FAST!
But, Jesus. He says, "Stay."
Stay with my people in their pain. Join together in the suffering. As I have endured sufffering for your sake.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:3-4)
This week, as we enter Holy Week, mindful of Jesus' suffering and pain for our sakes, consider how you might stay with someone in pain. Not moving too quickly, not rushing through the suffering, but truly walking next to, shouldering the pain as if to make the suffering just a bit lighter.
*originally published in Awana Lent Devotional 2015