A MAN ACQUAINTED WITH GRIEF

Intro.

1.  Who among us has not experienced sorrow, pain & grief? (a loss, treatment, etc.)

2.  Isa. 53:3 - Centuries before Christ lived, Jesus’ relationship with grief was foretold by the prophet. -Grief - "lit., with sickness" (Pulpit Comm.). Both of mind & body.

3.  Amazing that Jesus "went about doing good" although put to grief! - Acts 10:38

4.  Christians must endure tribulations to enter kingdom - Acts 14:22 (Do good - 2 Ths. 3:13)!

5.  Knowing His relationship w/ grief helps us (1 Pet. 2:21).

-Jesus was acquainted with grief:

I.  FROM THE HARDSHIPS OF LIFE - Matt. 8:18-20.

  A.  He Lived A Poor And Grueling Life.

    1.  Travel, mercy & generosity of others - Lk. 8:1-3. For Jesus, godliness was not a way of gain, but of sacrifice!

    2.  Lessons:

      a.  Sacrifice must characterize us - Matt. 8:19-20.

      b.  Gratitude for our advantages - Eph. 5:20.

      c.  Understanding & wise use - Eccl. 7:14.

II.  FROM HIS FAMILY - Jno. 7:4-5.

  A.  His Brothers Rejected Him During Life.

    1.  They were skeptical, not supportive.

    2.  Hurts when family doesn’t support you!

    3.  Lessons:

      a.  May be rejected by family - Matt. 10:36f.

      b.  May be mistreated - Eph. 5:22, 25, 28.

      c.  Be supportive in obeying the truth!

III.  FROM HIS FRIENDS.

  A.  His Closest Companions Brought Him Grief:

    1.  Judas - Jno. 13:18, 21, 27 (Psa. 55:12-14).

    2.  Peter - Jno. 13:36-38 (Lk. 22:60-61).

    3.  All disciples - Jno. 16:32 (Matt. 26:56).

    4.  Lessons:

      a.  Must strengthen our faith so we do not forsake Jesus (Matt. 10:22).

      b.  Be a friend who stands by others - Prv. 17:17; 18:24 (Eccl. 4:9-12).

      c.  Friends may forsake, but God never will - Jno. 16:32.

    5.  Make friends of God’s children - Give joy, not grief!

IV.  FOR DOING GOOD - Jno. 5:15-16.

  A.  Rather Than Praised, He Was Persecuted.

    1.  Harrassed, tracked, plotted against.

    2.  We might be tempted to stop the good!

    3.  Lessons:

      a.  Mistreatment will come - 2 Tim. 3:12.

      b.  Blessed when mistreated - Matt. 5:10-11.

      c.  Rejoice rather than stop - Matt. 5:12.

V.  FROM ENDURING TEMPTATIONS - Heb. 2:18.

  A.  We Don’t Think Of Jesus’ Temptations As Being A Source Of Grief -- But They Were - cf. Heb. 4:15; Lk. 22:28.

    1.  Lessons:

      a.  Accept His help to endure (Heb. 2:18)

      b.  Boldly come to Him for mercy & grace (Heb. 4:16).

VI.  IN HIS DEATH - Isa. 53:3-6, 10.

  A.  He Endured A Cruel Death For Us - Matt. 27: 27-31; Jno. 19:30.

    1.  v. 4 - Bore our griefs & sorrows - Not esteemed properly!

    2.  v. 5-6 - His death is our healing!

    3.  v. 10-11 - God delighted in the achievement of the Savior’s grief (sacrifice for sin)!

    4.  Lessons:

      a.  Must be saved - Rom. 6:3.

      b.  Must die to sin - Rom. 6:2, 4.

      c.  Must die to self - Gal. 2:20.

    5.  These will require sacrifice, pain & grief -- Obtain reward.

      a.  Jesus (Isa. 53:12).

      b.  Us (eternal life, Rom. 6:23).

Conclusion

1.  When you are put to grief by others for doing will of God, do not despair!

2.  Look to Jesus - He will sustain you! - Heb. 13:5-6