The Sufferings of Christ

As we continue our reflections on the theme of the Blood of Jesus, we turn our hearts to consider the sufferings of Christ. Why is this important? Because without a proper understanding of what Christ endured on our behalf, we cannot fully appreciate the price He paid or the significance of the blood that was shed. We’ll trace the journey of His pain, from Gethsemane to Golgotha, so that the power and benefits of His blood might shine more brightly in our hearts.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, as the hour of betrayal drew near and the cup of divine wrath loomed heavy, Jesus was deeply troubled. The weight of humanity’s sin and the horror of separation from the Father pressed upon Him like never before. Alone in prayer, He sought if there might be another way: “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

Matthew records the intensity of this moment: “Then He said to them, ‘My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.’’ (Matthew 26:38)

And in that place of agony, He prayed more earnestly, until His sweat became like great drops of blood falling to the ground (Luke 22:44). The physical phenomenon known as hematidrosis, in which blood mingles with sweat, is rare and typically triggered by extreme stress. Even before a hand was laid on Him, Jesus’ suffering had begun.

Moments later, Judas arrived and betrayed Him with a kiss. Though Peter tried to resist, Jesus willingly surrendered. He was dragged before religious and political leaders and subjected to brutal mistreatment, mocked, spat upon, beaten with rods, and humiliated (Matthew 26:57–27:31).

Prophetic scriptures suggest that His beard was pulled out (Isaiah 50:6), a painful and degrading act in ancient culture. Micah also foresaw the Judge of Israel being struck on the cheek (Micah 5:1).

One of the most devastating elements of His ordeal was the Roman scourging. Under Pilate’s order, Jesus was whipped with a flagrum, a multi-thonged whip embedded with sharp objects like bone, metal, and glass, designed to shred flesh and tear into muscle. Victims of scourging often suffered deep lacerations, internal organ exposure, and shock. Jesus could have avoided all this suffering, calling for angelic deliverance, yet humbly submitted to this painful process.

To mock His claim to kingship, the soldiers placed a scarlet robe on Him and twisted together a crown of thorns, pressing it into His scalp. Then they struck His head repeatedly with a reed, forcing the thorns deeper and causing yet more bleeding and torment. “They spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head.” (See Matthew 27:28–30)

Weakened and wounded, Jesus was forced to carry the beam of His cross. Eventually, Simon of Cyrene was compelled to help. At Golgotha, nails were driven through His wrists and feet, and the cross was raised, bearing a sign above Him: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” (Matthew 27:37).

As He hung in agony, His face and body disfigured from the cruel treatment, some onlookers mocked him. But here again, Scripture was fulfilled: “His appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance.” (Isaiah 52:14)

Despite this, Jesus interceded, “Father, forgive them (Luke 23:34). When offered sour wine, a sedative, He refused, choosing to endure the full weight of pain. He cried out in anguish as the Father's presence seemed distant: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46).

Though crucifixions typically lasted longer, Jesus died within three hours. When soldiers came to break His legs, a common practice to hasten death, they found Him already dead. Instead, a spear pierced His side, and blood and water flowed, likely indicating a ruptured heart and death by asphyxiation and heartbreak. (See John 19:33-34, Zechariah 12:10)

What does this mean for us? Christ’s sufferings were purposeful. They were the fulfillment of prophecy and the outworking of God’s predetermined counsel. Every act of cruelty, every means by which his blood was spilled, every fulfilled word proves the integrity of God’s Word and the unstoppable nature of His plan.

When we suffer, physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually, we can find deep comfort in the fact that our Saviour has walked that path before us. He truly understands. He is able to sustain and deliver.

As Derek Prince aptly notes, the fact that Jesus’ bones remained unbroken despite all the gruesome treatment He endured underscores a profound truth: “No one can do more to you than God allows.” Throughout Jesus’ ministry, there were multiple attempts to arrest or kill Him, but none succeeded until the appointed time (see John 7:28-44, John 10:39)

Everything unfolded in alignment with God’s divine timing. Likewise, when we entrust our lives to Him, we can rest assured that He will preserve us until we fulfil every day He has ordained for us.

Jesus took our place. He bore our shame, sorrow, rejection, wrath, sin and death. In exchange, we receive His glory, joy, acceptance, peace, righteousness, and life. This is the beautiful exchange. Hallelujah!