*A Teen Devotional based on Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 37-39*
## Opening Thought
Have you ever wondered why we say Jesus “suffered” under Pontius Pilate in the Apostles’ Creed? Like, wasn’t He just killed? Why do we emphasize the suffering part? Today, we’re going to dig into what this really means and why it matters to your life right now.
## The Big Questions (from the Heidelberg Catechism)
– What do we mean when we say Christ “suffered”?
– Why did He have to suffer “under Pontius Pilate”?
– Is there something special about Jesus dying on a cross versus dying some other way?
## Deep Dive
Imagine you’re in serious debt (like, really serious) and someone not only pays it off but takes the punishment that would have come with that debt. That’s kind of what Jesus did for us, but on an eternal scale. The Heidelberg Catechism explains that during His entire life on earth, but especially at the end, Christ took the punishment we deserved for our sins.
### Why Under Pontius Pilate?
This isn’t just a random historical detail. When Christ was condemned by an actual Roman judge:
– It shows this really happened in history
– It proves Jesus took real, physical punishment
– It demonstrates He was officially declared guilty in our place
Think about it: The most innocent person ever was declared guilty so that we, the guilty ones, could be declared innocent. Wild, right?
### The Cross Matters
The cross wasn’t just any death – it was considered cursed. By dying this way, Jesus:
– Took God’s curse that was meant for us
– Showed everyone He was taking our punishment
– Fulfilled what God had promised in the Old Testament
## Making It Real
**Personal Reflection Questions:**
- When you mess up or feel guilty about something, how does it change things to know Jesus already took the punishment for that?
- How does knowing Jesus suffered physically and emotionally help you when you’re going through tough times?
- What difference does it make that this was a real historical event and not just a story?
## Prayer
Lord Jesus, sometimes I forget how much You went through for me. Thank You for willingly taking my punishment. When I’m tempted to think my actions don’t matter, help me remember the price You paid. When I’m suffering, help me remember You understand exactly how I feel. Give me courage to live for You, knowing You loved me enough to die for me. Amen.
## Challenge for the Week
Each time you see something that reminds you of justice this week (a judge show on TV, a referee at a game, even a parent disciplining a child), take a moment to think about how Jesus took your punishment. Write down one way this changes how you view your relationship with God.
## Key Verse to Remember
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” – 1 Peter 2:24
*Remember: Jesus’ suffering wasn’t just about physical pain – it was about taking our place and our punishment. That’s not just ancient history; it’s the greatest act of love ever shown, and it’s personally for you.*