On Wednesday when I wrote Jesse that Henry’s departure seemed near he replied, “More sorrow at this point seems almost too much. Maybe it is too much. I’m casting this on the Man of Sorrows.”
Yes, of course! The Man of Sorrows! He’s well acquainted with our griefs. See Him weeping at Lazarus’ grave (Jn 11:35). See Him moved with compassion for the widow whose only son had passed (Lk 7:13), and Jairus, whose daughter had just died (Lk 8:49, ff.).
But mercifully, the Man of Sorrows not only grieves with us. See Him smitten of God and afflicted for us. Pierced through for our transgressions. Crushed for our iniquities. Chastened for our well-being. Scourged that we might be healed. Rendered a guilt offering that He might bear our iniquity (Isaiah 53: 3-11). See Him breathing His last to conquer death for us all: “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification” (Rom 4:25).
Yes, indeed, the Man of Sorrows.