Courage and hope in suffering
When we face a difficult situation, whether related to our health, our job, or our family situation, we often feel alone. How can we face difficulties, including suffering, with courage and hope? During Holy Week, Jesus endured what none of us could bear. We can learn from how Jesus handled this confrontation for our own life situations.
On Palm Sunday we commemorate Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem: "Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: 'Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, riding on a donkey's colt.'" (Joh 12,14)Many people who had come to the festival took palm branches, went out to meet him, and shouted: Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. At the same time, it was the beginning of his suffering, the path of suffering that inevitably lay ahead of him.
In the passages about the suffering servant of God in the Book of Isaiah, we gain deeper insights into Jesus' strength, courage, and hope. Although these verses were originally intended to encourage the Israelites in Babylonian exile, remarkable parallels can be drawn to the suffering Jesus experienced during Holy Week: "The Lord God has given me the tongue of a disciple, to know the word of comfort to the weary. Morning by morning he awakens my ear to hear as one who is well-behaved." (Jes 50,4).
Although Jesus was aware of the suffering that awaited him, he not only listened attentively to God's voice, but he also took time to encourage weary people. Let us read further: “The Lord God opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I did not turn back. I offered my back to those who struck me and my cheeks to those who plucked out my beard; I did not hide my face from shame and spitting.” (Jes 50,5-6).
Jesus knew that his suffering wasn't the whole story, but had a greater dimension. Notice that the verses don't say he wasn't afraid when he took the next difficult step. They say he didn't shrink back and didn't hide his face from insults. Where did Jesus' courage come from? We find the answer in the following verses: “But the Lord God helps me; I will not be put to shame. Therefore I have set my face like flint, for I know that I shall not be put to shame. He who justifies me is near; who will contend with me? Let us stand together! Who will challenge my cause? Let him come to me. Behold, the Lord God helps me; who will condemn me? Behold, they will all wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up.” (Jes 50,7-9).
As Jesus anticipated the events of Holy Week, we can learn from Isaiah's verses that the Lord God never left Jesus' side. Jesus had courage and hope during the most difficult week of his human life, knowing that God was close to him. Isaiah's passion verses give us a glimpse behind the scenes of how the Son of God rose to the occasion and accepted the suffering. We can understand how Jesus was sustained by God's presence and endured the cross because his compassion for us compelled him to take on the suffering and bring us salvation.
When we ourselves face adversity, we can be assured that the Lord God is with us. Whether you are facing difficulties or in a peaceful place, be assured of the constant presence of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, here and now, always by your side.
by Michelle Fleming
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