Written by Melanie Curtis, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas
In July of 2021, I came closer to God than I have ever been in my adult life, and that is when I was giving birth to my beautiful baby girl, Ginny. As time has passed since then, however, I have struggled with God, maybe more than ever before. That is, I have been unable to wrap my mind around John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
How could any parent allow their child to suffer, especially at the degree to which Jesus did? This is a hard question, but as we ask the hard questions, we need to never forget that “God is love” (1 Jn. 4:8b). Keeping this in mind, let us examine Jesus’s sacrifice further.
1. Jesus died so that we might live. “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him” (1 Jn. 4:9). Yes, God allowed Jesus to suffer and die for all, but it was so that He could offer us forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
2. Those who persecuted and killed Jesus, plus our sins, were what caused his suffering: “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isa. 53:5).
“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:36-37)
3. Jesus gave himself up of His own free will. “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Phil. 2:8).
4. Even though it’s hard, parents allow their children to go through hardships because they look ahead to the future, beyond the pain. Parents have faith that the aftermath of that suffering will be good. “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2b).
5. Jesus is God’s Son, but we are His children and God loves us too! He cares about us and wants to save us from our sins: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9).
In summary, although we can’t take away what Jesus had to suffer, we can appreciate what God did for us by accepting the salvation provided through Jesus’s sacrifice and living in such a way to honor His sacrifice.
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39)
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children. (Eph. 4:30-5:1)
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