Why Did Christ Suffer?

First and foremost he suffered and died to pay the penalty for our sins. This is by far the most important reason for Christ's wounds. However, the Book of Hebrews tell us of another rationale.

Hebrews 2:18 tells us that Christ was not only tempted but suffered so that he could aid those who are tempted and those who are suffering. When I read this verse I thought, does this mean Christ could not somehow have been my Comforter before His time on Earth? I know the answer to that question is 'no' because God does not change. So how does this verse lineup with the truth that God does not change.

The answer is that for once it is about us. You see Christ's ability to comfort us in our suffering did not change because of His pain. Rather, our ability to connect with Him changed. Our understanding of His love and grace changed at the Cross. As humans we tend to be better able to receive comfort from people if we truly believe that they can understand our perspective on life. In the same sense, Christ's temptation and suffering allows us to more readily believe that He can comfort us because He has been there and done that.

Always remember my friends. Christ is waiting to exchange your yoke for His and His is much lighter than ours.