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Sometimes, we go through suffering and pain. It isn’t fair, but suffering is unavoidable. We may not experience physical lashes on our own backs or be hung on a cross as Jesus was, but we too endure the sorrows of being lost, unloved, mocked and left out. We too feel the real pains of the world in our lives and in the lives around us.

Jesus endured it all for us. He took humanity’s pain, suffering, and ultimately death on himself so that we could live in a new life. In the last part of his earthly life, Jesus suffered so much agony, hurt and torment.

Yet through it all, Jesus still prayed through ragged breath, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Jesus’ bold response to the cruelty and injustice that meant his death was unyielding love and compassion. Even in his anguish, Jesus’ concern was for us and for our forgiveness.

The Lenten and Easter seasons show us that we will survive and surpass the ugliness and brokenness of this world.

This message is excerpted from “Easter Joy” by Ralen M. Robinson in the March 2024 Café online magazine. Today is Good Friday.