======================================================================== BEHOLD THE EMPEROR OF WOE! by C.H. Spurgeon ======================================================================== Summary: Beholding Jesus' suffering in the garden of Gethsemane and on the cross is essential for living aright and rising to dignity. Topics: "Suffering Of Christ", "Comfort in Affliction" Scripture References: Psalm 34:18, Isaiah 53:3, Matthew 26:38, Luke 22:44, John 19:5, Romans 5:8, 2 Corinthians 1:5, Hebrews 12:2, 1 Peter 2:24, Revelation 21:4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DESCRIPTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------ C.H. Spurgeon invites believers to behold Jesus, the 'Emperor of Woe,' emphasizing that true joy and comfort come from understanding His profound suffering. He paints a vivid picture of Christ in Gethsemane, His agony on the cross, and the depth of His sorrow, urging sinners to look upon their suffering Lord. Spurgeon asserts that in contemplating Christ's pain, believers find healing for their own afflictions and a deeper appreciation for the hope found in His sacrifice. He encourages the faithful to remain at the foot of the cross, where they can find solace and strength amidst their own trials. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONTENT ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Behold the Man!" John 19:5 If there is one place where our Lord Jesus most fully becomes the joy and comfort of His people--it is where He plunged deepest into the depths of woe! Come hither, gracious souls, and behold the Man in the garden of Gethsemane! Behold His heart so brimming with love--that He cannot hold it in; so full of sorrow--that it must find a vent. Behold the bloody sweat as it distills from every pore of His body, and falls upon the ground! Behold the Man as they drive the nails into His hands and feet! Look up, repenting sinners, and see the sorrowful image of your suffering Lord! Mark Him, as the ruby drops stand on the thorn-crown, and adorn the diadem of the King of Misery with priceless gems! Behold the Man when all His bones are out of joint, and He is poured out like water and brought into the dust of death! God has forsaken Him--and hell compasses Him about. Behold and see--was there ever sorrow--like unto His sorrow? All you who pass by--draw near and look upon this spectacle of grief! Unique, unparalleled, a wonder to men and angels--an unmatched marvel! Behold the Emperor of Woe--who had no equal or rival in His agonies! Gaze upon Him, you mourners, for if there is not consolation in a crucified Christ--there is no joy in earth or heaven. If in the ransom price of His blood, there is not hope--you harps of heaven, there is no joy in you; and the right hand of God shall know no pleasures for evermore! We have only to sit more continually at the cross foot--to be less troubled with our afflictions and woes. We have but to see His sorrows-- and we shall be ashamed to mention our sorrows. We have but to gaze into His wounds--and heal our own. If we would live aright--it must be by the contemplation of His death. If we would rise to dignity--it must be by considering His humiliation and His sorrow! ======================================================================== Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ch-spurgeon/behold-the-emperor-of-woe/ ========================================================================