A GOOD FRIDAY MESSAGE: CHRIST’S SUFFERING, AN EXAMPLE FOR US

Dear Members in Christ,

A Good Friday Message: Christ’s suffering, an example for us 

As we approach the “Passion week” we are reminded of how the suffering Saviour bore our sins on the cross. The word “Passion” has its roots in the Latin word “passio” which means suffering. In particular, this refers to the suffering that the Lord Jesus Christ endured for our redemption. Throughout the ages, Christians of all denominations observe this week as a time of reflection of the awful price that our beloved Saviour paid for us by His blood shed on the cross. So, apart from the redemption effect of Christ’s suffering, what and how do we apply this lesson in our meditation? The Bible in the epistle of first Peter records,  

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21

The Bible teaches us that Christ suffered in our stead, for it says, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5). But what we must not neglect is that Christ’s suffering also has the purpose of sanctifying the believer. We are taught that He “suffered for us, leaving us an example”. Christ’s suffering is a teaching point for which we can apply every day, every moment in our lives.  

A. Christ our example of righteous forebearance  

The Bible tells us that Christ suffered as an example for us to follow, and this is specifically in relation to His suffering on the cross. He was mocked and reviled. As the Son of God, He is able to call upon legions of angels, yet he did not retaliate. Despite the attacks of His antagonists, the Lord Jesus did neither curse nor revile against these tormentors and sinners. The Bible describes Him being such as one,

“Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.” 1 Peter 2:22,23

The above verse describes the Lord Jesus as one who maintained perfect dignity, and did not in any way speak falsehood. Neither did the Lord Jesus breathed out threats nor imprecations against those who tormented Him. Instead, the Bible tells us that the Lord Jesus committed Himself to God, for He knew that God will judge righteously.

Dearly beloved, as we approach Good Friday, and as we meditate upon how the Lord Jesus has suffered for us, let us also remember that the Lord’s demonstration of patience under persecution is an example for us to follow. Let us put aside fleshly desires of vengefulness or unrighteous anger against others and let us be Christlike in our dealings with all men, even those who persecute us. 

B. Let us consider the Lord Jesus’ example and live unto righteousness

The Lord has shown us that despite great suffering, He was exemplary in patience, longsuffering and love. He endured such a contradiction of sinners in order that we may be brought from darkness into His kingdom of light. The Bible teaches us of His redemptive work for us in saying,

“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.  For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:24,25

The Lord Jesus bore our sins on the cross in order that we who were dead in sins might be brought to life. The Lord’s death on the cross is redemptive, not just in bringing salvation to the faithful, but also to sanctify the believer. The believer is now able to “live unto righteousness.” This process of transformation is liken to that of lost sheep being found and returned to the fold.

Dearly beloved, as we consider the Lord Jesus who suffered and bled and died for our sins, let us strive to live unto righteousness. Let us put aside the works of the flesh, hatred, envy, lustful desires,and all forms of sins, and let us walk in the Spirit, living unto righteousness. As we approach the Good Friday service, let our meditation be upon our Lord Jesus and His great work of redemption for us, and let us resolve to live for Him, a good testimony of love and righteousness that God’s Name may be glorified. Amen.    

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor