Jesus’ suffering made him a perfect leader, or pioneer, of our salvation (Hebrews 5:8-9). Jesus did not need to suffer for his own salvation because he was God. His perfect obedience (which led him down the road of suffering) demonstrates that he was the complete sacrifice for us. Through suffering, Jesus completed the work necessary for our salvation. And through suffering, Jesus understands our weaknesses.
Our suffering can make us more sensitive servants of God. People who have known pain are able to reach out with compassion to others who hurt. “Blessed be the God … of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NKJV). If you have suffered, ask God how your experience can be used to help others.
