The Unexpected Value of Ugly Memories

Hebrews 2:9 But we see him who has been made a little lower than the angels, Jesus, because of the suffering of death . . .

Hebrews 5:8-9 though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered. Having been made perfect, he became to all of those who obey him the author of eternal salvation
(Emphasis Mine)

By following Jesus’ example we, too, will gain eternal glory through suffering. Consider such Scriptures as:

2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory (Emphasis Mine)

It is not just that our Lord could be exalted to the role of our High Priest only through what he suffered, however, it is essential that he remembers that suffering:

Hebrews 2:17-18 Therefore he was obligated in all things to be made like his brothers, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.

Hebrews 4:15 For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are . . .
(Emphasis Mine)

Even though the eternal Son of God knows everything and is filled with infinite love, the above says that his personal experience of suffering somehow qualifies him still further to be merciful and able to sympathize. How could his personal experience help him be merciful and sympathize, however, if all memory of that suffering faded to nothing?

And how could the following benefit from suffering be ours if we lost all memory of that suffering?

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

For still more on this subject you can visit the following short webpage but please don’t lose the web address to the webpage you have been currently reading:
       Suffering Makes us Worthy: The Ministry Implications of Suffering