Why suffer?

Why suffer?

Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. – Hebrews 5:8

Deuteronomy 8:5 Just as a parent disciplines a child, the LORD your God disciplines you for your own good.

1 Peter 2:19-21

 19 For God is pleased with you when you do what you know is right and patiently endure unfair treatment.

 20 Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.

 21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

In the 90s, contemporary psychology introduced a fresh concept to interpret suffering and distress: Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG). This theory suggested that actual positive change often followed suffering and trauma. Individuals who triumph over mental hardships following adversity usually experience significant growth. They gain a renewed perception of their identities, world, and interactions with others. Five key areas were identified where such positive transformations take place:

• Enhanced appreciation of life
• Improved relationships with others
• Discovery of new opportunities
• Increased personal strength
• Spiritual transformation.

This novel construct discovered by psychologists via trial and error was revealed by the Father in the Scriptures ages ago. Adversity and trials are the primary means that the Father uses to facilitate our transformation toward Christlikeness. The Father meticulously planned and executed suffering to foster spiritual growth and metamorphosis. The Father designed this arduous journey so that we strengthen our resilience and deepen our understanding of ourselves and those around us.

We learn to obey and follow because of our affliction.

Psalms 119:67 Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I keep Your word.

Lord Jesus Christ had to learn obedience, just as we do. “What teacher did God use? Suffering – just as He does with us. God intends to use our suffering to teach us the value and the power of obedience” (Stanley).

Hebrews 5:8 Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.

The divine and human natures of the Lord Jesus Christ, the God-man, pose an intriguing theological paradox. Given that he is sinless (Hebrews 4:15, 7:26) and inherently obedient, why would he need to learn obedience at all (Guthrie)?

While always compliant and receptive, the Lord Jesus Christ acquired knowledge and experience by living as a human being. He developed physically, emotionally, and spiritually (Luke 2:40, 2:52). He experienced suffering and temptation, learning firsthand the cost of maintaining obedience in adversity. Each triumph over temptation was achieved by obeying the Father’s will; thus, He “learned obedience.” As the Messiah, His role necessitated an unwavering obedience to the Father’s will. The Father’s will became His will. He learned to obey and keep on obeying.

There is an interesting play on words in Greek that is not apparent in the English translations. The Greek language reveals an intriguing linguistic play on words between “learning” and “suffering.” He learned from what He suffered is a linguistic jingle, emathen aphʾ hōn epathen. This is a recurring theme among ancient Greek thinkers who often connected mathein (to learn) and pathein (to suffer) (Barclay). This alliteration emphasizes that “learning comes by suffering” is a rhetorical device often used in Greek literature due to its phonetic similarity (O’Brien).

So, what does it mean to “learn obedience?” It implies aligning with the Father’s will. However, it doesn’t mean that Jesus was disobedient before and had to grasp how to obey. Instead, it means that faithful obedience is exercised in real-world life experiences. As the Lord Jesus Christ faced new circumstances, particularly suffering, His faithfulness to the Father was tested. His unwavering obedience to the Father’s will was repeatedly challenged, especially during His suffering leading up to His death.

The perfect Son of God learned obedience through suffering, making Him a compassionate, perfect high priest for His people. Interestingly, His appointment as a high priest was not a result of His divine status, but His success in overcoming temptations without sin learned through His suffering (O’Brien). Although the Lord Jesus Christ was God’s Son, He has “earned” the right to represent us (Hebrews 5:1) and is still able to sympathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15) (Girdwood and Verkruyse).

REFLECT & PRAY

Acts 20:24 But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned to me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

Father thank You for loving me so much that You are willing to invest in my life to produce in me and through me Your dream.

INSIGHT

Discipline and punishment are not the same thing. Punishment focuses on the past, seeking to impose suitable penalties or repercussions for past actions. On the other hand, discipline is forward-looking. It equates to training a child, preparing them for future situations. As a loving father, our heavenly Father disciplines us. He disciplines us because He loves and cherishes us and seeks only our best.

Proverbs 3:12 For the LORD disciplines those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

Hebrews 12:5-11

 5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you.

 6 For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”

 7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?

 8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all.

 9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?

 10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness.

 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening – are trained in this way.

Discipline is a tool that prepares us for the future and the dream that the Father has for us. Discipline is an integral part of His loving care and affection for us.

Is discipline the result of the Father’s anger? Absolutely not.

When we experience suffering, it’s not the Father angrily taking away from us; instead, it’s His loving gesture of investing in us. When we experience suffering, it is easy to feel that the Father is angry with us. We often experience a sense of loss. We worry that the Father has abandoned us. Yet, the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 also endured suffering. “Theirs was no country club religion” (Ortlund). The heroes of faith trusted the Father with all their hearts. They were all in. They continue to trust even when faced with mistreatment, torture, and death. Was God angry with them? Quite the contrary, He commended them (Hebrews 11:2, 6, 39). Thus, it is written, “God is not ashamed to be called their God” (Hebrews 11:16). He took pride in them. He delighted in them.

During times of suffering, remember this: Your hardships are not a verdict against you, nor do they signify anything negative about the Father. It’s quite the opposite. Your sufferings are proof that the Father cherishes and holds you dear.

The Father has a dream for each child of the King. This is of utmost importance to recognize and comprehend. Wrap your arms around this. “You are a person of destiny; your greatness has already been won for you by Christ at his cross” (Ortlund). Suffering and discipline are the Father’s way to prepare you for what will come.

Lord Jesus Christ serves as our example. Despite being the Son of God, He learned through the crucible of suffering. The logic involved here is moving from the greater to the lesser. When we grasp the Father’s purpose and role of suffering in the life of His Son, it offers us a fresh lens to understand and navigate our own trials, tribulations, and periods of suffering (O’Brien).

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© Dr. H 2023