How does Jesus respond to suffering? Matthew 14 gives us some insight.
When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, “he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself.” (14:13). Jesus wanted some time to mourn alone. Suffering well will include solitude. Needing to be alone is often the best thing for a hurting heart. But, Jesus did not get much time alone, the crowds were following him. Upon seeing the crowd Jesus, “had compassion on them and healed their sick.” (14:14). Jesus did not let his suffering lead him to bitterness but be sympathetic toward others in pain. He not only took the time to heal the crowds, but to fed 5000 and set with them until they finished eating. “And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.” (14:21) Suffering well will include service. Jesus was suffering, but He took the time to minister to others in need instead of focusing on His own needs. Lastly, we see that Jesus did get His alone time, after He dismissed the crowd, he spent an estimated 9 hours in prayer, not only for the ministry he was about to do, prayer for his own suffering (Matthew 14:23-25). Suffering well involves supplication.
The good news is just not just that out Savior suffered, but that He suffers well and sympathizes with us in our suffering.
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