Evil and suffering Quote by John Piper
““There is no greater sin than to hate and kill the Son of God. There was no greater suffering nor any greater innocence than the suffering and innocence of Christ. Yet God was in it all. "It was the will of the Lord to crush him" (Isaiah 53:10). His aim, through evil and suffering, was to destroy evil and suffering. "With his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5). Is not then the suffering of Jesus Christ meant by God to show the world that there is no sin and no evil too great that God, in Christ, cannot bring form it everlasting righteousness and joy? The very suffering that we caused became the hope of our salvation. "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)””
About This Quote
Source Bible: New Testament, Gospel of Luke, 23:34; Old Testament, Isaiah 53, 5-10
The passage reflects on Christ’s suffering as a divine plan to redeem humanity, emphasizing that even the greatest sins and evils are overcome through his sacrifice, offering healing and eternal joy.
In simple terms: Christ’s suffering was God’s way to heal and redeem humanity.
Key Takeaway
Recognize suffering as a path to redemption.
Themes
redemption
divine purpose
healing
sin
evil
Mood
hopeful
contemplative
Type
theological
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- prayer
- spiritual growth
- comfort in grief
- ethical living
Key Concepts
theology
atonement
grace
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this view shape your response to personal pain?
- What responsibilities arise from believing suffering is divinely ordained?
A Different Perspective
The interpretation may overlook the problem of evil and human agency in suffering.