The second thing the cross symbolises is suffering. Even though we know how the story ends, we can’t deny that Jesus suffered on the cross and in the lead up to His crucifixion. Jesus knew the plan God had for Him. He faced betrayal by one of His friends. He cried out to God to take His suffering away, but still went through with what needed to be done for us. He faced rejection when the people chose to free Barabbas instead of Him. He endured the pain of carrying His cross to Golgotha, wearing a crown of thorns. He had to face the suffering of being nailed to the cross. He was tormented by people who said to Him ‘Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!’ (Matthew 27:40 NIV). And the Bible tells us that Jesus even felt abandoned by God: ‘Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” This means, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”’ We may not be facing death, but we can suffer betrayal, hurt, persecution, and fear too. We may even have times where we’ve been in the valley for so long that we feel like God has abandoned us. But He will never abandon us. He walks through the suffering with us. Jesus understands everything we have to face in life. He knows what it’s like to face the things that hurt us. He knows what it’s like to be tempted. He knows what it’s like to be rejected by other people. He knows what it’s like to feel grief, sadness, and fear. We never have to face anything on our own, or work through things in our own strength. He promises to be right there helping us through.

What Now?

Listen to ‘He knows’ by Jeremy Camp, and then ask Him to help you lift your eyes from the things you’re going through to Him, the One who truly understands how you feel.