A World Of Sorrow

A World of Sorrow

Daughters Of Jerusalem

Read: Luke 23:26-31

Mandy took one look at the sunshine pouring through the window and pulled the comforter over her head. Each day, she had to fight a little harder just to get out of bed and get dressed. Why bother? Mandy groaned. Something bad is sure to happen. First, there had been the two miscarriages; then, both of her parents had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Just days after the second funeral, Mandy learned that while she was dealing with her parents’ illnesses, her husband had been having an affair with a family friend. A year later, Mandy still felt numb and wondered just how much pain one person could bear.

Even as Jesus faced his own excruciating pain, he showed compassion for women in sorrow. The large crowd that followed him to the cross included many women. They cried and stumbled along the road, overcome with grief at his death sentence. Jesus knew the anguish that awaited him on the cross, and he also knew the fate of Jerusalem. In about forty years, the Romans would destroy the city. Women with young children would suffer most from the violence. His heart ached for them even as he walked toward his death.

We all want to live happily ever after. We may think that God owes us a trouble-free life if we’re doing our best to follow him. But as long as we live among imperfect people in a world corrupted by sin and Satan’s evil influence, we can expect trials and sorrows. Disease, divorce, death, and other painful experiences can make us wonder if life is worth living. The only place where we can find comfort and strength is the cross, where Jesus voluntarily suffered pain and anguish so that he could share ours.

[Jesus said,] “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33