Hope amidst suffering

Abstract

The passion narratives which form the longest section in each gospel, are not just a historical event that took place over two thousand years ago; they are also the fulfillment of God鈥檚 plan for salvation foretold in the Old Testament; the ultimate expression of the Son鈥檚 obedience which he maintained till the end (Jn 19:30); the Father鈥檚 鈥渃ommand鈥� to the Son to lay down his life (Jn 10:18); the 鈥渃up鈥� he had to drink (Jn 18:11); and the 鈥渉our鈥� during which he was distressed (Jn 12:27). Ultimately, they are the last mode of revelation: 鈥淲hen you have lifted up the Son of man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority but speak thus as the Father taught me鈥� (Jn 8:28).