Jesus in a bottle (Part 3)
Sermon Notes
Many of us approach Jesus as if He exists to make our lives easier, to grant us what we ask for, and to shield us from hardship. But Jesus never promised a life without suffering—He promised to walk with us through it.
The Reality of Suffering
From the beginning, suffering has been a part of the human experience. The Bible is clear:
Genesis 3:1-7 – Sin entered the world, and with it came brokenness, pain, and death.
Suffering is inevitable – It transcends age, race, and status. No one is immune to hardship.
The wrong question: Instead of asking “Why me?” we should ask, “How does God want me to walk through this?”
Biblical Examples of Suffering
Throughout Scripture, we see faithful men and women enduring trials:
Joseph – Sold into slavery, falsely accused, imprisoned
Job – Lost everything yet remained faithful
David – Betrayed by those closest to him
The Apostles – Persecuted and martyred for their faith
Jesus – Experienced every kind of suffering: physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and social
The Promise: Jesus Walks with Us
Jesus suffered so He could fully understand our pain.
Hebrews 4:15 – “We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses.”
Matthew 27:46 – On the cross, He felt abandoned: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
John 16:33 – “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
The Danger of a False Gospel
Many believe that faith in Jesus should eliminate suffering. This is not biblical.
The "Jesus in a Bottle" Gospel says:
If you pray enough, you’ll be healed.
If you have enough faith, you won’t struggle.
If you follow Jesus, your life will be easy.
The Truth:
Jesus never promised comfort—He promised His presence.
Faith is not about avoiding trials but trusting God through them.
Suffering refines and strengthens our dependence on Him.
How to Walk Through Suffering with Jesus
Shift your focus from "Why me?" to "Who is with me?"
Invite Jesus into your pain—every moment, every day.
Trust in His sovereignty, even when answers don’t come.
Use your suffering to help others. (2 Corinthians 1:4 – “God comforts us so that we may comfort others.”)
A Testimony of God’s Presence in Suffering
A woman battling cancer shared how, in her darkest moments, she wasn’t alone. Even when healing didn’t come, God’s presence filled her with peace beyond understanding. This is the promise: not that He will always remove our suffering, but that He will never leave us in it.
Reflection & Communion
Before taking communion, ask yourself:
What did the Holy Spirit reveal to me today?
What will I do with that revelation?
Communion is a reminder that Jesus suffered for us, and through Him, we have the strength to endure. His body was broken, His blood was shed—so that we would never have to walk through suffering alone.
Final Thought
Suffering is not a sign of God’s absence—it is an opportunity to experience His presence. Instead of asking “Why?” ask, “Who?” And let the answer always be: Jesus.