"Who gave himself a ransom for all, the witness in His own time." [1 Tim 2:6]
I am sure that there has been at least one instance in each of our lives that we have experienced pain. From experience, most of us would probably confirm that facing known pain is easier than an unknown pain, for one knows what to expect. Further, it is generally easier to experience a pain when one is unaware of the timing of it versus knowing when it shall come. For instance, a prick upon the skin is far less painful when it comes suddenly, without expectation, versus when the timing is known. In the latter case, the expectation and anticipation of the pain seems to increase its badness. With this, let us look unto Jesus and see how we can see His glory and be encouraged.
Paul reveals to us by The Spirit that Jesus gave Himself a ransom for us “in His own time.” The timing of Jesus’ death was not in another’s hands, but Jesus’. Jesus Himself said, regarding His life,
“No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” [Jn 10:18]
The Father had given Jesus the ability to decide when He would die, when He would do as He said, “give His life a ransom for many.” [Mt 20:28] Remembering our analogy, see how this magnifies the courage and strength of Jesus: for if Jesus’ death had come at an instant, unaware to Himself, the pain would be much less; but we see Jesus Christ, who knowing what should come, and deciding when it should come, bravely facing the cross and God’s wrath for our sakes. In this, Jesus displays much courage and strength, who knowing all things that should happen, willingly gave Himself up to suffer on our behalf. For remember how it is written when Judas came to the garden to arrest Him, “Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon Him, went forth, and said unto them, whom seek ye?” [Jn 18:4] And see the love of Christ too, in that even knowing the pain that should soon come, loved His disciples and spoke to them kindly.
“Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour was come that He should depart out of this world unto The Father, having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end…[And] Jesus knowing that The Father had given all things into His hands, and that He was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside His garments; and took a towel, and girded Himself…and began to wash the disciples’ feet…” [Jn 13:1, 3-4, 5]
But there is still more to be seen of Jesus here, for not only did Jesus know the pain was coming, but that pain was unknown. In Hebrews, we read that Jesus “by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” [Heb 2:9] The death spoken about is that spiritual death which Adam brought upon us. It is the being forsaken of God. This was, and still is, something that no man has truly faced. Who among us has been forsaken of The LORD? Who among us has faced the consequences in full for our sins? For judgment day has not yet come; and further, we are in Christ. Again, as it is written rhetorically of The LORD,
“Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.” [Psa 139:7-8]
If there be any that doubt this, we may also turn to the Psalmist who wrote, “will The Lord cast off forever?…And I said, this is my infirmity…” [Psa 77:7, 10] There may be some who have thought God had cast them off: but they are mistaken – it is merely the weakness of their flesh. But we see Jesus Christ, who truly was forsaken of The Father, in punishment for our sins; as it is written, and as Jesus spoke truthfully, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” [Mt 27:46, Psa 22:1] Let us meditate upon the great distress of Jesus that He would endure something no man had ever experienced, and truly, not He either. The encouragement that we can cling to, “knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world,” [1 Pe 5:9] could not bring Jesus any comfort: for no one had experienced what He willingly gave Himself to.
Praise be to Jesus, who joyfully, willingly, with bravery and love, gave Himself as a ransom price for our salvation. Who, though the great agonies of God’s wrath lay before Him – agonies which He must have willingly received and initiated – and though the deepness of their pains were previously unknown, yet with great boldness He lovingly and mercifully drank them and bore them for our sakes.