Suffering for Jesus is...

"But [Jesus] emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, becoming like unto men." (Philippians 2: 7)

Jesus gave up all his power of pure Spirit to act in accordance with the humility of those who want to be understood by the weakness of the men who were his flock. He was careful not to dazzle or glare, to make himself understood.

In spite of the extraordinary cures, he presented himself as a simple man, teaching that every man will be able to accomplish them in his time.

He showed us that the sublime of humility is to present ourselves as the servant of all and reaffirmed that "God loves the one who gives with joy". (2 Corinthians 9: 7)

Humility and joy. Two of the pillars that hold the tabernacle of our spiritual mind. Humility to serve. Joy of being a servant.

"Because the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)

"Servant is – it informs the Great Larousse - one whose goods and person depends on another; Subordinate and dependent."

Jesus gave us the example. He placed himself in dependence on God, and subordinated to Him, showing that without the Father we can do nothing and that we need a north to show us the way to acquire the necessary humility in order to become authentic servants. This way is all outlined in the Gospel, which enlightens us and sustains us and remakes our energies.

"And being in the form of a man, he humbled himself, being obedient unto death, even death on a cross." (Philippians 2: 8)

Everyone remembers the passage of the garden where Jesus tells the Lord that his will be done. But it is intriguing that he also asks the Father to pass that cup if possible.

Of course, this passage may not be authentic, perhaps to give a touch of humanity to Jesus, because no one witnessed the fact. The three closest disciples were sleeping. However, what at first glance seems a weakness of Jesus is remarkable for illustrating his obedience and optimism.

Jesus is aware of the need for sacrifice, but still asks for a chance for men to convert themselves. What seemed a doubt or even a dislike of the Father's will is a vow of confidence in man's ability to change the direction of his ways. But above all, the will of God should be done.

"For unto you it was given unto Christ not only to believe in him, but to suffer for him also" (Philippians 1:29)

This passage seems frightening to some believers. Suffering scares some less well-advised people. Is suffering for Jesus a necessity? Does Jesus want us to suffer? Does Jesus need our suffering?

Jesus does not need our suffering, He only gives us the strength to endure the inevitable and know how to transform our suffering into a good for our lives and the lives of others.

Jesus also does not want us to suffer, but as our suffering presents itself as inevitable, because of the law of cause and effect, he gives us elements to suffer with dignity and with less pain.

Nor it is a necessity to suffer for Jesus because, where there is choice or free will, to suffer for Jesus is an option, the healthiest choice.

Suffering for Jesus is to put ourselves before life fully focused on spiritual growth, always reminding us of the cleansing crucible that raises our feelings and the necessary and incessant quest to better serve others without expecting anything in return.

Suffering for Jesus means, finally, to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him.