In the film “The Passion of the Christ,” there is a sequence where the Roman soldiers were scourging Jesus in a most dreadful and horrifying act of brutality.

The word “suffer” is not just the experience of physical pain; rather it is an old English word that means “to allow.” Jesus had to allow that from the soldiers, otherwise, they couldn’t lay a finger on him. Jesus had to allow the savagery, he had to allow them to assault him, abuse him, assail him; to hate him. What human being would willingly allow that?

There are people who suffer greatly from sickness, disease, trauma, captivity, emotional problems, or botched-up surgeries. But Jesus suffered it all, at the same time, from the hands of the soldiers, the whips, the crown of thorns, the abuse, the disgust; the shame because Jesus was naked. And then Jesus had to go through it all again, hanging on the Cross.

Some people will unfortunately say, “Jesus did not suffer for me!” But he did. If the blood of Jesus does not wash you, you cannot be clean, healed, restored, made whole, or made new.

Jesus allowed this suffering to come upon him because there was no other way. He had to do this. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

And by his wounds, we are healed.

Querido Padre Celestial,

I thank You that You sent Jesus to bleed from his brow for the healing of my will, from his face for the healing of my image, from his body for the healing of my body, from his head for the healing of my mind, from his hands for the healing of my work, from his feet for the healing of my walk, and from his side for the healing of our relationships. I confess there are times when I am so blind to my own needs that I don't even know what healing to ask for. And when my eyes are opened to see the healing I need, I lack the faith to ask. Lord, thank You for Jesus. Lord, open my eyes to see my needs as You see them. Lord, I believe, help me overcome my unbelief. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

In response to today’s verse, remember with gratitude what Jesus has finished and made possible for us. In this season of giving, look to the Heavenly Father for this greatest gift. If you find yourself feeling lonely, unappreciated, or even humiliated by those around you, remember that Jesus suffered it all for us, and find your peace in him. Ask that the promise of healing be applied to yourself and to your relationships in Jesus’ name.