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Today is Passion Sunday. It marks the beginning of Holy Week, when Jesus entered Jerusalem toward his death on the cross.
On Passion Sunday, we reflect on Jesus’ suffering. Why did Jesus suffer the way he did? What does that mean for me?
When you read today’s passage, what do you see? I see Jesus who is silent.
Once he is brought before Pilate, he does not say a word. In the face of accusations and ridicule from others, he is silent. As he is mocked and condemned, even as he gets crucified, he is silent. Whatever he is thinking, whatever he is feeling, Jesus remains silent.
What was going on underneath Jesus’ silence?
As I meditate on the story, I don’t see an empty silence. The silence is not nothingness.
I see a lot going on beneath the surface. I see a silence filled with pain.
What is he thinking and feeling inside?
His whole life, he felt so connected with God. In his baptism, the heavens opened up as God said “this is my Son, my beloved”. God was there in a powerful way.
With the power of God he healed people. With wisdom from God he taught people about God’s kingdom.
His disciples and those around him felt the presence of God when they were around him. It truly felt as thought the kingdom of God had broken into their lives.
But now, everyone is gone.
Now, in silence, he feels all alone. There were no more miracles. There was no more power. No people around him.
During the whole ordeal of his suffering, these things are welling up in him.
Beneath the silence, there is a question that finally bursts out on the cross:
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46)
That question pierces through the silence.
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Where are you? Why have you left me alone in this most difficult time?
The silence from Jesus was not an empty silence. It was the pain of abandonment. It was the pain of feeling utterly alone.
I think Jesus’ silence reflects the silence in our lives.
Most people present a normal face to the world. As if everything is fine. We keep ourselves busy. We say all sorts of nice things.
But underneath the surface, many people carry silent pain in their hearts.
They carry worries, fears and anxieties. They suffer from untold grief, loss, and heartaches. They suffer from the consequences of other people’s agendas. The struggle with feelings of unworthiness and inadequacy. They bear guilt, shame or lack of purpose.
Even if there’s nothing wrong on the surface, even if things look fine, people feel an unexplainable sadness or emptiness.
No one else can see their pain. No one can hear it. They may be surrounded by people, yet feel so alone.
The result of the silent pain they carry is isolation.
When you are isolated, it affects your spirit. It brings about a heaviness to your heart. A sadness you can’t really describe.
You feel lost and aimless, without real direction. You don’t know which way to go.
Life doesn’t have the same joy or spark. Every obligation or responsibility is just another added weight.
Think about the best memories you’ve had. I’m sure that they are filled with images of other people. Loved ones, friends, people in community who share the same purpose.
All the good things in life come when you are connected with someone or something beyond you. And yet, those moments can seem rare and far away. So often we suffer in silent isolation.
Why did Jesus suffer the way he did?
So that we can be freed from our isolation.
What did God reveal through Jesus’ suffering and death? He revealed that God is not an impassable God – a God who does not suffer. No, we have a God who suffers with us. A God who feels pain.
God chose to put himself in our shoes. To suffer with us.
In his flesh, Jesus knows our sufferings. He knows the aches of your heart. He has felt the pain of isolation we all feel.
Jesus suffered in silence so that the gap between us and God can be closed. So that we can have someone to turn to. Because he loves us.
You are not alone. Jesus hears the silent cries of your heart.
That is the meaning of Jesus’ silent suffering.
This is what happened after Jesus died:
At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. (Matthew 27:51)
The curtain separated God from the people. No one could enter that space because God was too holy. Only the chief priest could go once a year to offer sacrifice to God.
But now, through Jesus’ death, that curtain has been torn. We are connected with God once again.
After the curtain, this is what happened:
The earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. After his resurrection they came out of the tombs and entered the holy city and appeared to many. (Matthew 27:52-53)
In the Bible, when the earth shakes and rocks split, it means that God is nearby.
Through Jesus’ death, God is made near to you.
You are no longer alone. God’s presence is there with you.
And that presence will revive your soul. When God is present with you, it gives you power.
Power to get up again. Power to walk confidently once again.
Every Passion Sunday, we look to the cross and reflect on Jesus’ suffering. Not so that we can feel sad. But so that we can be reminded that there is a Saviour who walks with you and feels your pain.
You are not alone. There is a Saviour who hears your silent cries. You can bring your silent cries to him, for he cares for you and knows you.
God tore the veil. You are no longer separated from God.
Jesus suffered in silence so that you no longer have to. That is sacrificial love.
These days, my heart feels heavy from the quiet suffering of those around me and in the world.
In times like this, I am so thankful we have a God who is not far away and leaves us alone. I am thankful to have a Saviour who cares for me and died for me.
Bring your burdens, bring your concerns to him. He knows your heart and will bring healing for your soul.
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