Shared Sorrows
Our small group study this week centered on the passage in Mark 14:32-42 which describes Jesus’ honest struggle in Gethsemane. We spoke about the deep grief and sorrow that Jesus felt and expressed even though He, more than anyone, understood the ultimate and future victory to be accomplished. Yet, in His humanity, entering the pain and sorrow facing Him, He grieved and wrestled with the Father and submitted His anguish to the Father’s will. He did not deny the sorrow, but bore it for our sakes.
Our small group study this week centered on the passage in Mark 14:32-42 which describes Jesus’ honest struggle in Gethsemane. We spoke about the deep grief and sorrow that Jesus felt and expressed even though He, more than anyone, understood the ultimate and future victory to be accomplished. Yet, in His humanity, entering the pain and sorrow facing Him, He grieved and wrestled with the Father and submitted His anguish to the Father’s will. He did not deny the sorrow, but bore it for our sakes.
It reminded me of a recent article in Christianity Today about Mary Beth Chapman’s new book, Choosing to See. The Chapman’s have faced one of life’s ultimate tragedies in the loss of a child when their son accidentally ran over their little Maria. Their experience of God's comfort in unusual ways invites us to draw closer to Him in grief. In addition, Mary Beth’s honest struggle with God over the seemingly meaningless sorrows in life reflect how living in a fallen world, even with a strong relationship with God through Christ, does not exempt us from painful grief and personal struggle. Even understanding the ultimate reality of heaven and victory, grief is real. I am reminded of the comfort of Hebrews 4:15-16 that Jesus understands our struggle. Life confronts us with painful circumstances and confusing tragedies. We can, in those times of pain and struggle. come boldly to His throne and find mercy and help in times of need. Jesus did not hold Himself above our suffering but entered and shared it as well. Jesus friends slept through His sorrow. When we have friends who share our grief we are blessed.
Gwynne Johnson
Gwynne Johnson currently serves on the Board of Entrust, Inc., an international education and training mission where she authored the Entrust curriculum, Developing a Discerning Heart. She recently served as Co-Chair of the training project, Christian Women in Partnership, Russia and as Senior Director of Women's Ministry at Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas. Gwynne has a M.A. in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. She currently lives in Huntsville, Texas with her husband of 58 years, Don. She works part-time in her daughter and granddaughter's bakery "The Best Box Ever," where she gets paid in cookies.
