Makobaw. One small word in scripture that illuminates the life of the one from whom all life proceeds. It’s meaning? Suffering. Pain. Sorrow.

Known as the Song of the Suffering Servant, Isaiah 52:13-53:12 highlights several of the reasons Jesus is referred to as a “man of sorrows”. But why does it matter that Christ suffered? How does this impact your life and mine?

What Does it Mean that Jesus was a Man of Sorrows?

In a world that demands unattainable beauty, Jesus grew up as a man without physical appeal. As the God of all glory, He might have worn the flesh of earth’s most appealing man–reflecting His inward holiness and purity.

Isaiah 53:2-3 (NKJV) confirms that Christ was unattractive by worldly standards,

“He has no form or comeliness;
And when we see Him,
There is no beauty that we should desire Him.

He is despised and rejected by men…”

 

Jesus experienced rejection.

Not because He lacked value, integrity, or intelligence but because He didn’t possess one of society’s gold coins. Beauty.

Most of us know the pain of rejection. We strive to live up to the ever-changing demands of a fickle society and filtered, social media faces. Or, we wrestle with wounds of desertion–having experienced the raw pain of dismissal or exclusion when a mother left us behind in childhood, a husband chose another, or an adult child rejected relationship.

Christ lived this pain, as well. Mocked by family, betrayed with a kiss, and deserted by his closest companions, he experienced the emotional ache of rejection that we might be fully “accepted in the beloved”. (Ephesians 1:6)

...he experienced the emotional ache of rejection that we might be fully “accepted in the beloved”. (Ephesians 1:6) Click To Tweet

Makobaw means both mental and physical suffering.  We gain a clearer understanding by reading the verses below.

“I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows (makobaw).” (Exodus 3:7 NASB)

God takes notice of His people who suffer beneath the hand of slavery.

In the same way, He heard the cries of the brokenhearted. Felt compassion toward the helpless. Knew the makobaw of humanity and bore its shame to set us free from the ultimate slavery of sin.

 

Jesus experienced physical pain.

“Or someone may be chastened on a bed of pain with constant distress (makobaw) in their bones.” (Job 33:19 NIV)

This words above speak of continual pain. A physical ache of unbearable proportion. While the Psalmist referred to his own suffering, he experienced a portion of the increasing agony Jesus endured on His journey toward the cross. Then, the culmination. Blunt nails piercing tender flesh; tearing sinew and joint. Excruciating torture with the ghastly weight of every murder, lie, or lustful thought placed upon the Lamb.

Many of us deal with physical pain due to injury, illness, or disease. Jesus understands your struggle. He longs to embrace in His arms and comfort you. Scripture reassures that “by His stripes we are healed”.

While physical healing may or may not come this side of heaven, spiritual healing belongs to every believer. Click To Tweet

While physical healing may or may not come this side of heaven, spiritual healing belongs to every believer.

 

Jesus experienced grief.

A third verse reads, “For I am ready to fall, And my sorrow (makobaw) is continually before me.” (Psalm 38:17 NKJV).

We all long for purpose. To pursue something greater than ourselves. To make a difference.

How many of us would give up everything–our position, reputation, and life–to rescue those who did not deserve or desire freedom? It seems an unreasonable proposition. But when the Godhead convened in eternity past, they agreed.

The babe once heralded by heaven’s angels would utter his last rasping breath–accomplishing His glorious and unmatched purpose. “It is finished.” The words wafted on the wind and the earth shuddered in despair.

The Lord’s grief was done; His glory would come. Click To Tweet

The Lord’s grief was done; His glory would come.

And Jesus’s mission? “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be save.

Christ, “A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 52:13 NKJV), lived in rejection, suffering, and grief that we might receive a reprieve from humanity’s curse. We can present our hurts and heartaches to Him, leaving them at the foot of the cross as we find joy in the promise of that which awaits.

Salvation. Celebration. Exultation.

Peace and grace,
Tammy

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