Jesus Understands Suffering

Luke 22:39-46 vs 15 "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer." vs 39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will fall into temptation." 41 He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.[c] 45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46 "Why are you sleeping?" he asked them. "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation."

Philippians 1:29 "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him."

Philippians 3:10- I want to know Christ-yes, , to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.

"While God empathizes with how we arrived at a painful point, he doesn't endorse any sinful paths that pain has created, is creating, or could create for us"

And here's the thing: We will have our own 'Gethsemanes.'

By Default, we all feel entitled to NOT suffer

Hebrews 5:7 gives a sense of intensity: He offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue Him from death.

1. Emotional Suffering

"My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death"

Psalm 88:3 "I am overwhelmed with trouble, and my life draws near to death. I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am like one without strength"

Psalm 88:6 "You have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths."

Psalm 88:18 "You have taken from me friend and neighbor-- darkness is my closest friend.

2. It was Relational Suffering.

Luke 22:45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep

3. It was a Spiritual Suffering

Jesus prays 3 times: Matthew 26:39 if it is possible.. yet not as I will, but as You will."

4. It was a Physical Suffering

Luke 22:44 And being in anguish, He prayed more fervently, and His sweat was like drops of blood, falling to the ground.

So much stress!!

I’m all stressed _______
I'm, coming un _______
I’m ready to throw in the_______
I’m at the end of my _______
I'm about to fall a _____

3 Things God does in us Through Suffering

I have derived more real benefit and permanent strength and growth in grace, and every precious thing, from the furnace of affliction than I have ever derived from prosperity.

1. He Deepens Our Dependence on Him

2 Corinthians 1:8-9 Paul says they were "under great pressure... so that we might not rely on ourselves but on God," and teaches us to lean on God's strength.

2. He Refines Our Character