Salvatory Suffering

A Reflection on the Second Reading for February 2nd, 2020:
​The Feast of The Presentation of The Lord

​Hebrews 2

It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many sons and daughters to glory, should make the source of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one.

For this reason he is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying, “Here am I, and the children whom God has given me.” Since the children share flesh and blood, Jesus himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death.

For it is clear that Jesus did not come to help Angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people.

Because Jesus himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

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Who wants to talk about suffering?
Nobody, that’s who!
Suffering is bad.
Suffering is painful.
Suffering should be avoided at all costs.


In this scripture passage from Hebrews we hear that, “It is fitting that God… should make the source of their salvation perfect through suffering.” (Hebrews 2:10)


Jesus, the source of our salvation, is made perfect through suffering. Suffering came into the world through sin. Jesus suffered to defeat sin.


A student came in to my office one day and said, ”How can we believe in God when there is so much suffering in this world?” After a lengthy discussion that went back and forth between theology, sociology, and psychology, there was really no definite answer. In the end I said, “You know I don’t really understand it but I do know that most of the testimonies that I have heard in my life of people encountering Jesus and giving their life to Him have come out of their suffering.” If Jesus is made perfect through suffering then wouldn’t it make sense that we, the Body of Christ, would also be made perfect through suffering?

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I have heard many stories about suffering and I don’t pretend to understand what others go through. In my own story, the suffering has been painful, hard, and unwelcome. Until, that is, I am on the other side looking back. It’s then that I see how God used my suffering to bring me closer to holiness, and I would be willing to go through it all again if it means I gain Jesus.


So when I put suffering into perspective it isn’t always bad or to be avoided. Sometimes it’s exactly what I need.

Let us Pray:
O my Jesus, who suffered more than anyone on this earth, strengthen me in my suffering so that I can grow in holiness and be united with You. Amen.




MaxIne Brown

Photo by Kinga Cichewicz on Unsplash

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