Pain, Does Jesus Care?

New pain is experienced often in our walk in this world. There is the pain of disappointment. We may have physical ailments and diseases. And then there is the pain of loss. It can be as mild as losing a favorite item or the loss of someone important. In the Gospel of John, our KJV uses the word tribulation, but another translation has it as ‘suffering’ John 16:33 (HCSB) “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” The Greek word, θλῖψις, transliteration: thlipsis (Strong's Greek & Hebrew Dictionary), is used 45 times in the New Testament, translated, in the KJV, as; tribulation 21, affliction 17, trouble 3, anguish 1, persecution 1, burdened 1, and to be afflicted 1. This word seems to cover the gamut of what we could suffer from.

Jesus has overcome; tribulation, suffering, affliction, etc. But, some may ask, how or when? I truly believe that Christ, at His hour of death, nailed to those pieces of wood, experienced our pain, our suffering, like no one ever. Sin brought pain, disease, thorns, and of course, death, into our world. God created the world, and the account in Genesis tells that after each day, finished with a momentous day of amazing things, He would declare each finished day, “Good.” Yet, Adam in direct disobedience to God’s command, brought sin into our world, and thus, suffering. But, at the cross, the Hebrew writer reminds us, Hebrews 2:9 (KJV) “ But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.”

Jesus has experienced life and death and hell for us. He lived on this earth for 30+ years; sweating, bleeding, calloused, tired, and hungry. Life was not easy in First Century Israel. To think that Jesus had it ‘easy’ is naïve. That He lived in the time and place He did, would have included much suffering in life. Jesus’ death was full of suffering. Crucifixion was as excruciating a death as any man could endure. Jesus also suffered, on His way to death. Beatings, scourging, and other physical abuses, let alone carrying His cross, would have left Him, nearly lifeless as He suffered death for us. Not only the physical pain of death, if that was not enough, He had to suffer the emotional and spiritual agony, also. Yet in all His suffering, maybe the suffering of Hell was the most excruciating.

In theological circles, it is debated whether Jesus went to Hell. If our concept of Hell is just a place, then maybe those who expound the notion of Him NOT descending, may be right. But what if Hell is less about a place and more about a condition. Now before you call the fundamentalist/evangelical police on me, let me explain. I believe, preach, and teach, in a literal, burning, place of torment, we call Hell. But, I also believe Hell, the place, exist as a place, because of the condition of Hell. Let me explain. Paul talks about those who reject Christ will suffer, because of their choice, his words, disobedience. Then he goes on to explain the ‘place’ or ‘condition’ they will endure: 2 Thessalonians 1:9 (KJV) “Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;” Another translation I glean much truth from says it this way, 2 Thessalonians 1:9 (YLT) “who shall suffer justice--destruction age-during--from the face of the Lord, and from the glory of his strength,” Young’s is more of a word for word translation, but the emphasis is clear, the unsaved suffer, everlasting separation from God; HELL!

So did Jesus suffer Hell, and when? He suffered it on the cross, as he spoke these words; “…My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46 KJV) Jesus felt the power of separation from God. I know, you will say, “How can the Trinity be separated?” I didn’t say they were separated, but He “felt” the power of separation. Hebrews 2:17 (MontgomeryNT) “And so it was necessary that he should in all points be made like his brothers, so that he might become a compassionate and faithful high priest, in all that relates to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” Did Jesus suffer it all? Oh, I think He did, oh, how He did.

So, in essence, it is His compassion for our pain, suffering, death, and even our Hell here on Earth that makes Him a perfect companion in suffering. 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV) “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” Child, He cares, and not in a distance, not knowing your pain, kind of way, but in “I’ve been there.” In dealing with grief and mourning for most of my career, it is obvious the best counselors are those who have had the same experience. My wife and I, suffered a miscarriage. It was excruciating, devastating, but an experience that has been put to use more than a few times. Jesus has been in your shoes, He has had pain, anguish, depression (a subject for a future BLOG), hurt, betrayal by friends, rejection, and almost any kind of suffering you can think of.

“Call on Jesus,” one song extolls. “His eye is on the sparrow,” a beloved song said, referencing Matthew 6, reminding us that God cares. “Are ye not much better than they?” (Matthew 6:26 KJV) Jesus said this to remind His followers that God cares, He takes care of the fowls and the flowers, He will take care of you. A verse I often use is in the same chapter, it is my go to verse for those venturing into new paths of their lives, whether good, bad, or ugly…Matthew 6:33 (KJV) “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” TRUST HIM!