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Isaiah 53:3 — “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.”

Every pastor who suffers rejection, grief, or sorrow finds comfort in Christ, the Man of Sorrows. He knows the weight of ministry, for He bore it perfectly. He was despised, rejected, and misunderstood. He carried not only the care of a church but the sins of the world. No shepherd suffers alone; the Chief Shepherd has walked the path before him.

Isaiah’s prophecy reminds us that sorrow is not a sign of failure but of faithfulness. Jesus’ rejection did not mean defeat but fulfillment of God’s plan. Pastors who endure grief in ministry are not forsaken; they are following in the steps of Christ.

For the flock, this truth calls for compassion. If Christ was despised, we should not be surprised when our pastors face criticism. But we should not add to their grief. Instead, we should honor them, pray for them, and bear their burdens with love.

The Man of Sorrows is also the source of comfort. He gives strength to weary shepherds, peace to anxious hearts, and joy to those who mourn. His cross proves that sorrow is not the end; resurrection and glory follow.

On this Lord’s Day, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the suffering Shepherd who became the Lamb slain for our sins. Let pastors find comfort in His companionship, and let churches find motivation to love their shepherds more deeply.

Sorrow may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. The Man of Sorrows is also the Lord of glory, and He will wipe away every tear.