Seminary of suffering

Jesus learned obedience through suffering (Heb 4:8). His learning was to qualify him as a faithful, empathetic High Priest (Heb 4:9-10). We too are priests in the order of Jesus. That is we represent the people before God and offer sacrifices on their behalf. In order to perform this role, we too must endure the seminary of suffering. Paul said that we “fill up that which is lacking in Christ’s suffering.” (Col 1:24) When you become a follower of Christ, you accept your role as a priest and therefore your appointment in the school of suffering.