When we think, rightly, about how Jesus suffered in our place ON the cross, we also need to appreciate how he suffered for us ALL THE WAY to the cross.

It’s often called his “humiliation.“

The Westminster Larger Catechism asks:

Q. 49. How did Christ humble himself in his death?

A. Christ humbled himself in his death, in that having been betrayed by Judas, forsaken by his disciples, scorned and rejected by the world, condemned by Pilate, and tormented by his persecutors; having also conflicted with the terrors of death, and the powers of darkness, felt and borne the weight of God’s wrath, he laid down his life an offering for sin, enduring the painful, shameful, and cursed death of the cross.

Note that in the beginning of the answer above we are reminded that Jesus also suffered for you and me  in the events leading up to the cross. He suffered in the garden of Gethsemane sweating drops of blood, sorrowful to the point of death. He suffered as he was unjustly accused and slandered and humiliated by the religious leaders who should have embraced him. He suffered for us as he was betrayed, denied, and abandoned by his disciples. He suffered as he was unjustly tried in unrighteous courts, both ecclesiastical and civil. Even when his innocence was profoundly acknowledged, he was unjustly sentenced to death. He suffered as he was despised by a mob that cried out for his crucifixion. He suffered terribly in his body as he was scourged with whips and in unspeakable pain. He suffered emotionally as he was mocked and crowned with thorns pressed onto his head. And then he was nailed through his hands and feet to the cross to receive the worst the worst suffering of all – the wrath of God that fell upon the sacrificial Lamb of God – all this suffering for you and for me.

The Bible says, “He loved us and gave himself for us.“ Why did he do it? We learn in the Scriptures again and again he was motivated by love – a love that was willing to suffer terribly for another and to pay the debt of sin that is owed.

Do you know his sacrificial love for you? He loves you and gave himself for you.

 Musing’s from Pastor John, May 30, Click to Email Pastor John

Pastor John’s May 30 message is at 10:00 AM on YouTube.