Sharing in the Sufferings of Christ

Have you ever paused to consider what it truly means to share in the sufferings of Christ?

I have pondered this many times, especially as I have grown in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. When you walk through this world with a tender and humble heart, you cannot help but begin to share in His sufferings

When I reflect on the sufferings of Jesus, they were many.
He was misunderstood.
He was mocked and taunted.
The Pharisees constantly tried to trap Him.
And ultimately, He bore the wrath of God and carried the sins of the world.

Even the physical cross He carried on the way to Golgotha was heavy. Though Simon of Cyrene helped Him carry it, that moment itself reflects what it means to share in His suffering, walking alongside Him on the road to His death…and to His purpose.

And today, we are called into that same invitation, to share in the sufferings of Christ.

We, too, may be misunderstood.
We may look upon others with deep compassion and feel their pain without numbing our hearts.
We are invited to be true disciples of Jesus.

Jesus Christ told us that no one can be His disciple unless we pick up our cross and follow Him.

The cross represents dying to self, a daily surrender. At times, this calling will require enduring misunderstanding, rejection, and even pain.

But I was encouraged this morning by 1 Peter 4:12–16:

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you…
But to the degree that you share in the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing…
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed…
But if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.”

So, fellow brethren, let’s pick up our crosses and follow Jesus.

Die daily.
Surrender daily.

So that God would be glorified.