No Pain, No Gain

October 6, 2024 homily on Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:9-12 by Pastor Galen

“It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings” 

– Hebrews 2:10

No Pain, No Gain

When I was growing up, there was a popular slogan, “No pain, no gain.” This saying was popularized by Jane Fonda, who would use the catchphrase “No pain, no gain” along with “Feel the burn” in her exercise videos to encourage people to persist through pain and to stretch their bodies to the limit when working out. The idea was that hard and even painful workouts would have beneficial results, and that when working out, pain is a sign that microscopic muscle fibers are being torn and will be rebuilt as bigger muscles. (It’s important to note that there can also be detrimental types of pain when working out that can include joint pain, and so medical experts generally do not consider “no pain, no gain” to be an effective motto for exercise.)

But whether or not we push through pain or try our best to avoid it, one thing that all humans have in common is that we all experience pain. It doesn’t matter how young or old we are, where we live, or what culture we’re a part of, we all experience hardships and pain at various points of our lives. And I’m not just referring to physical pain; as humans we also experience emotional pain, heartache, loss, and grief. 

Made Perfect Through Sufferings

And so, in light of the fact that each and every person in the world experiences pain and suffering at various points in their lives, the author of Hebrews says, “It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings” (Hebrews 2:10).

It might take us by surprise to hear it said that Jesus was made “perfect through sufferings,” since we know Jesus was already perfect to begin with. And it is true that Jesus was perfect in the sense of being sinless. But the word that’s translated “perfect” here can also be translated “complete.” It means that the goal has been accomplished; through his suffering and death, Jesus fulfilled what he came to do.

In the previous chapter (Hebrews Chapter 1), the author stated that Jesus “is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being” (Hebrews 1:3). Jesus showed us who God is in a clear and unfiltered way. Now here in Chapter 2, the author shows that in addition to showing us who God is, Jesus also identifies with us in our sufferings. Indeed, it was through suffering that Christ’s work was brought to completion, or made perfect.

The author of Hebrews says that we “see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone” (Hebrews 2:9). And the author goes on to say (after talking about how the pioneer of our salvation was made perfect through sufferings), 

For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.” (Hebrews 2:11-12)

So Jesus is not only the manifestation of God, but he is also our brother. He knows firsthand the pain and suffering that we as humans experience, and it was in “tast[ing] death for everyone” that he was able to bring many children to glory. Indeed, through Christ’s pain and suffering there was indeed great gain.

The Great Thanksgiving

This is what we remember when we celebrate Communion together. We remember how Jesus willingly endured pain and suffering to demonstrate God’s great love for us and to free us from captivity to sin and death. In giving himself for us Christ identified with our pain and suffering and with that of everyone who experiences pain and suffering around the world. 

It is fitting that the way Jesus invites us to remember him is through eating together, since it is something that is common to all humanity. If pain and suffering is something we can all relate to, so is the act of eating. It’s an activity that transcends time and space, as all around the world, throughout history, people have eaten food, often gathering with friends and family to eat together.

New Testament scholar N.T. Wright said, ““When Jesus himself wanted to explain to his disciples what his forthcoming death was all about, he didn’t give them a theory, he gave them a meal.” A meal is something we can all experience, even if we can’t always understand. 

It is fitting too that Jesus chose bread, rather than some obscure or expensive food that is difficult to obtain. Bread or grain is a staple of life for pretty much every culture around the world. Even wine, although we think of it today as a luxury item, was at various points throughout history more easily attainable than fresh drinking water.

And so this morning, on this World Communion Sunday, may we rejoice that we have a savior who identifies with our pain and sorrows. May we be reminded that when we partake in communion we join with siblings in Christ all around the world, and all are welcome at Christ’s table. May we remember those who are suffering this morning, and may we look forward to that day when “Christ comes in final victory, and we feast at his heavenly banquet,” when there will be no more sorrow, pain, or grief.

Amen!

Questions for Personal Reflection in Response to Today’s Sermon:

1. What kinds of pain or suffering have you experienced in your life? How did you respond to these experiences?
2. How does it feel to know that Jesus, who is both divine and human, experienced suffering like we do? Does this change the way you relate to him?
3. Jesus calls us his brothers and sisters. How does this impact your understanding of your relationship with him and with fellow Christians around the world?
4. How might you support others who are going through pain and suffering right now, knowing that Christ himself walks with them?
5. What does the image of the “heavenly banquet” mean to you? How does it shape your understanding of hope, joy, and the end of suffering?