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