Sermon Recap
This week’s sermon explored Jesus as our suffering King, highlighting that His experience of suffering began long before the cross. Although we often focus on His crucifixion as the climax of His sacrifice, Scripture shows that Jesus chose to leave the glory of heaven, take on human flesh, and enter fully into the struggle of humanity. Like the God who revealed Himself to Hagar as El Roi—the God who sees—Jesus draws near to us in our pain as Immanuel, “God with us.” Isaiah 53 foretold a Savior who would be despised, rejected, acquainted with grief, and ultimately pierced for our sins so that we could be healed and made whole.
Throughout His earthly life, Jesus experienced the same kinds of suffering we face. He endured temptation in the wilderness, ridicule from religious leaders, betrayal and abandonment by His closest friends, deep heartache at the death of Lazarus, and abuse at the hands of unjust authorities. These aren’t just historical moments—they demonstrate that Jesus understands every layer of human pain. He fully identifies with our weaknesses, our wounds, our loneliness, and our battles. He is not distant from our struggles; He has walked the very roads we walk.
Because Jesus suffered with us and for us, His suffering becomes the source of our healing, peace, and victory. Everything He endured—temptation, grief, injustice, and even death—was used for our redemption. Jesus’ suffering assures us that God sees us, knows us, and draws near to us in every circumstance. And through His sacrifice, we are offered freedom, restoration, and a hope that can sustain us in every season. His suffering is not just a story to remember—it is the foundation of the new life we now get to live.
Key Scripture
Discussion Questions
What part of Jesus’ suffering (temptation, rejection, betrayal, grief, injustice) helps you most understand that He truly identifies with your own struggles?
How does the name El Roi—“the God who sees me”—comfort or challenge you in the circumstances you’re facing right now?
In what ways does knowing that Jesus suffered before the cross deepen your understanding of His love and His humanity?
Where do you need Jesus’ healing, peace, or restoration in your life today, and how does His suffering bring hope to those areas?
Prayer
Jesus, our suffering King, thank You for seeing us, knowing us, and drawing near to us. Thank You for entering into the fullness of humanity so that we would never walk through pain alone. Help us trust that You understand every struggle we face and that Your suffering brings healing, comfort, and hope. Strengthen our hearts, bind our wounds, and remind us that You are with us in every moment. Lead us to live in the freedom and victory You purchased for us. In your name we pray. Amen.
Life Application
Identify one area of personal suffering—temptation, rejection, grief, or disappointment—and invite Jesus into it this week, trusting that He understands and draws near.
Reflect daily on a name of God (El Roi, Immanuel, Savior, Redeemer) and spend a few minutes praying specifically about how that aspect of who He is speaks to your current season.
Extend compassion to someone who is hurting, remembering how Jesus moved toward the brokenhearted. Send a message, pray with them, or offer practical support.
Don’t Forget!
Pray and ask the Lord who you should invite to Christmas services on Sunday December 21st 8:30am 10:30am 12:30pm
Additional Resources
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