When Jesus revealed the suffering he would experience, Peter took him aside like a protective service agent and denounced any of it would ever come to him. Peter was telling Jesus that suffering is something that can and should be avoided. In response, Jesus gave one of his harshest rebukes recorded, saying, "Get behind me, Satan!"

Life is precious, but one cannot live life trying to avoid or deny suffering without losing oneself in the process. Instead, Jesus said that one must deny themselves and take up their cross. Be courageous and vulnerable, and expect the inevitable mistakes, failure, pain, and rejection. If we could avoid all of that, we would have no need for a savior. A life lived without suffering may not experience the stuff of real life, which includes grace, redemption, gratitude, joy, and love. Suffering also produces in us compassion for others who are suffering.


Application: Lord, thank you for coming as the Savior of humanity, as the Messiah who is familiar with suffering. May we take off the armor of fear and insecurity and, even in our shame, experience your saving grace. Sow seeds of your kingdom from the remnants of our suffering, as you brought salvation from the depths of the grave.
One Word: Experience loss, find your soul.