John 18-19

"If you are looking for me, then let these men go."

"Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"

"If I said something wrong," Jesus replied, "testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?"

"Is that your own idea," Jesus asked, "or did others talk to you about me?"

"Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother."

Jesus was always concerned for others. Till the moment he uttered the words, "it is finished," he was constantly speaking truth to all men, wanting to free them from their lies, thinking of the safety and comfort of others, in the midst of his most crucial time of pain...a pain thankfully, we will never experience or feel ourselves. Jesus' heart was so focused on the heart of the Father and on the Father's heart for his people, that his own pain was not of utmost importance. Jesus knew who he was and knew the will of the Father that the present moment was all a part of what was "good."
In my life, there are times I wonder if the pain I go through is "good." It's a tough theological question especially when we ask, "why does God allow suffering?" When Jesus willingingly accepts his place of humility and suffering, it makes me hesitate to give a resounding NO! to the question. Maybe this is a conclusion that one must reach for one's own life....for I don't think anyone can say for sure that God causes the suffering of the marginalized of our world like those suffering from AIDS in Africa or those who suffer from mental diseases...But what if MY humble and suffering state offers comfort to others? Jesus, when he bore the sins of all humanity on that cross, at that very moment, He was separated from the Father...the ultimate suffering of any being. And yet, it was for us. I'm not exactly sure how to answer this question about suffering...but I know my understanding of suffering and God's will is shortsighted and I need to approach these matters in humility and in grace.

Lord, may I continue to embrace your will completely into my life to completely trust you in the midst of my pain and struggles. Your ways and thoughts are higher than mine. As I continue to trust you with my own pain, may I serve and embrace others in their pain.