HEAL - God's Heart for Healing in JohnSample

Purpose in Pain 

Thus far, the book of John has covered a time span of about three years, the length of Jesus’ earthly ministry. But the rest of the book takes place over about 7-10 days. It’s the week leading up to the annual Passover Festival and Jesus and His followers are headed back toward Jerusalem to “celebrate,” as was their custom. Upon entering the city, Jesus’ fame had caused the people to gather in anticipation of His arrival. Scripture describes the “hero-like” welcome He received with palm branches being placed in the path of the little donkey He was riding and the crowds were excited to see Him. Sadly, however, we see that the people likely flocked to Jesus solely for His miracle-working power, because Scripture says that most people still didn’t believe His message. Not being deterred from His purpose, Jesus continued to proclaim, “Whoever believes in Me does not believe in me only, but in the One who sent me, and those will be rescued from the darkness.” Belief = Rescue.  

Jesus was fulfilling His purpose even though the weight on His shoulders was getting so heavy. In verse 27, “Now my soul is troubled,” He said, “and what shall I say: Father, save me from this hour?” It’s so magnificent that by reading His Word, we are privy to Jesus’ audible cry “Is there another way, Father?” The time of His great suffering had begun and He knew it was going to get much worse. Yet, He laid down His will for the will of the Father so that all of us could be rescued, brought into the Light, and receive eternal life! Jesus was not spared from pain and suffering in fulfilling His purpose, and neither are we.

QUESTIONS:

1. In my own experience, have I ever seen a purpose in pain? 


2. Under my present circumstances, am I willing to cry out to my Heavenly Father and exchange my will for His?


3. How might unbelievers be brought to the Light as a result of my suffering?