Pastor’s Corner: “The Way of Sorrows”

Isaiah 53:3-5 (NLT)He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.

There is a street in Jerusalem known as the “Via Dolorosa,” the “Way of Sorrows.” It is the route Christ is believed to have followed when he was led, carrying his cross, from the judgment hall of Pilate to the place of execution.  It reminds us that Jesus understands suffering. In these times especially, many are traveling down their own Via Dolorosa. It could be dealing with loss of loved ones, with health issues, a family crisis, or feelings of isolation and abandonment. At some point, we all look up to the heavens and cry out, “Why, God?! Why is this happening to me?!” Theologically, there are answers to that question. But let’s be honest—no intellectual explanation will bring comfort in our pain, suffering and sorrow. We may understand it but we will never be okay with it. 

The Way of Sorrows is an explicit reminder that God entered into our suffering. I may not understand pain, but I know Jesus is in it with me. He chose to enter the mess and put himself into the hands of selfish, agenda-pushing humans. That’s not something I would want to do. When I walk down the Way of Sorrows with Jesus, I begin to realize that Jesus is walking down the Way of Sorrows with me.

It reminds us how much we are loved. Why did Jesus walk down this Way of Sorrows when He could have avoided it? Because He loves us. And not just the collective “us”, but the individual “us.” Jesus loves you.  As we journey along the Via Dolorosa, there’ll be times we want to look away. It’s all too much to take in. But He endured every scar, every insult, and every nail for you and me. And not with the purpose of making us feel guilty enough to “behave.” He endured it so we can break free of anything keeping us from living the life we were made to live. So we can love others, knowing we are loved.  This is beautifully described in the lyrics from “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”: See from His head, His hands, His feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down! Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

It also reminds us that suffering has an expiration date. Suffering may be a universal experience, but it’s not going to last forever. The Way of Sorrows has an end. The empty tomb is good news for us all. It’s proof that God doesn’t want anyone left out. Jesus put death in its grave, and one day he’ll put our suffering there too.   If we are willing to join Jesus on the way of the cross, we discover another gospel paradox. The Way of Sorrows becomes the Way of Joy, the road to heaven. Lord, help me deny myself, take up my cross, and follow you today.

Jesus is drawing near to you today, press deeper into His love.

In His Grace,

Pastor Hamilton & Family