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We live in a world obsessed with appearances. From social media filters to red-carpet glamor, we’re trained to believe that beauty is something you can see. But true beauty isn’t found in the flawless or the fashionable—it’s found in the sacrificial.

As we journey through Holy Week, the prophet Isaiah offers us a startling image of Jesus—not the glowing figure of stained glass windows, but one who had “no beauty that we should desire Him” (Isaiah 53:2). No form. No majesty. No halo. No crown.

Just a man—wounded, rejected, and crucified.

And yet… this is where His beauty shines the brightest.

Why Was Jesus' Suffering So Important?

The Apostles’ Creed puts it plainly:
“He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into Hades.”

Jesus' suffering wasn’t accidental—it was intentional. He bore grief, carried sorrow, and was pierced for our transgressions. He didn’t deserve the punishment, but He embraced it. For us.

And if that’s true, then we cannot ignore the question: Why would the Son of God choose to suffer, die, and descend into death for sinners like us?

The answer is love.

He loved you enough to be falsely accused, savagely beaten, and nailed to a cross. He loved you enough to stay silent when He could’ve summoned angels. He loved you enough to absorb the wrath of God so you wouldn’t have to. That’s what makes Jesus beautiful—His love shown through suffering.

The Lamb Who Stayed

The Bible often describes us as sheep—wandering, straying, vulnerable. And into that mess walked the Lamb of God.

Jesus was the:

  • Promised Lamb on Mount Moriah—pointing forward to a sacrifice only God could provide.

  • Passover Lamb whose blood shielded homes from judgment.

  • Spotless Lamb without blemish, pure in every thought and action.

  • Suffering Lamb of Isaiah—led to the slaughter in silence.

  • Exalted Lamb of Revelation—worthy to open the scroll because He was slain.

He didn’t run from the cross—He ran to it. For you. For me.

But Did He Really Die?

Some wonder if Jesus only appeared to die. But the evidence is overwhelming:

  • Roman executioners confirmed His death.

  • His side was pierced; blood and water flowed (a medical sign of death).

  • His lifeless body was buried by Joseph and Nicodemus in a sealed tomb.

  • Guards were stationed to ensure no deception.

Jesus didn’t faint—He finished. “It is finished,” He cried (John 19:30). And when He did, heaven and hell both knew the war was over.

Why the Descent?

“He descended into Hades.” This line from the Creed has sparked debate, but its meaning is deeply encouraging.

Jesus didn’t go to suffer—He went to proclaim victory. As 1 Peter 3:19 tells us, He preached to the “spirits in prison.” He declared to death, darkness, and the devil: You’ve lost.

He stepped into the silence of death, not as a prisoner, but as a preacher of triumph.

And because He descended… you don’t have to.

What Does This Mean for Me?

The beauty of Jesus is not just a theological concept—it demands a response. His suffering wasn’t just to impress us—it was to transform us.

So how should we respond?

  1. Gratitude – Let your heart overflow with thankfulness. Pause this week and thank Him for the cross.

  2. Holiness – Don’t live in the sin He died to free you from. Walk in purity, empowered by His Spirit.

  3. Witness – Carry His name into the world. If He bore your sin in public, will you carry His name in public?

As we reflect on this Holy Week, let’s allow the cross to shape our lives—not just on Sunday, but every day. Let it humble us. Let it heal us. Let it send us out as changed people.

Because when you see Jesus—not as the world sees Him, but as He truly is—there’s only one thing to say:

“Hallelujah! What a Savior!”

Join us for Easter Sunday
Come and celebrate the risen Lord next Sunday, April 20th at 11:00 AM! We’ll continue our journey through the Apostles’ Creed by proclaiming the truth that He didn’t stay in the grave—He rose again!