Part 2 of Beyond the Cross
Opening Up the Narrative Around Suffering
If we think about it, the traditional story of Yeshua often places suffering at its heart—his passion, his crucifixion, and the profound pain he endured. Over time, this has become a cornerstone for many believers, embedding the idea that suffering is necessary for redemption or spiritual growth. But what if this view only scratches the surface of his true message? What if Yeshua’s life, rather than glorifying suffering, was actually showing us a path beyond it?
This isn’t about denying the reality of hardship or dismissing the depth of Yeshua’s experiences. Life, of course, brings challenges and pain at times. But suffering—defined as the prolonged attachment to pain, guilt, or shame—is a construct, a pattern we often internalize. And there’s a subtle but powerful difference between feeling pain and choosing to carry suffering.
Seeing Yeshua as a Teacher of Inner Peace
When we look closely at Yeshua’s teachings, there’s an undeniable thread of inner peace, a state of being that transcends the ups and downs of human experience. Even in the most intense moments of his life, Yeshua embodied this peace. He spoke of the “Kingdom within,” a place of unity with the divine that offers unshakeable inner calm. Rather than focusing on his suffering as a defining element, we can see his life as a testament to living from this deep inner sanctuary.
By doing this, we start to recognize that Yeshua’s true message was not about glorifying hardship, but about showing us that peace and freedom are possible, even amidst life’s challenges. He wasn’t advocating for suffering as a path to divinity; he was inviting us to find the divine within ourselves, in the here and now.
Why Suffering Is Not a Requirement for Growth
For many of us, the idea that “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” has become a familiar mantra. This belief can create a mindset where we expect difficulty or struggle to somehow “prove” our worthiness. But what if true growth is not about how much we can endure, but about how deeply we can allow ourselves to experience love, joy, and peace—even when times are hard?
Yeshua’s life illustrates that challenges and struggles are part of the human experience, yet they don’t define us. He showed us that while we may encounter pain, we have the power to choose peace within. Instead of seeing suffering as a badge of honor, we can view it as an optional experience—one that we can transcend by tapping into the inner wisdom Yeshua so passionately taught about.
The Gift of Letting Go of Suffering
Imagine how freeing it would be to release the belief that suffering is required for growth. Yeshua’s message is about embracing this freedom, seeing ourselves not as inherently flawed beings needing redemption, but as souls who are whole, connected, and loved. The choice to let go of suffering isn’t about denying life’s difficulties; it’s about choosing not to be defined by them.
When we realize that suffering is a construct, we begin to experience life differently. Rather than interpreting pain as a signal of unworthiness or punishment, we can see it as a natural part of life, one that can be embraced with grace or released without guilt. Yeshua’s message invites us to let go of suffering and embrace compassion—for ourselves and for others. He encouraged us to live in love, understanding that true strength comes from inner peace, not from enduring hardship.
Reflecting on Your Own Beliefs
To connect with this message more personally, here are a few questions to explore:
- Have you ever felt that suffering makes you more “worthy” or “spiritual”? Where did that belief come from?
- How would your life look different if you didn’t feel obligated to “prove” yourself through hardship?
- Can you imagine a version of yourself that embraces peace even in the face of difficulty, without letting pain turn into suffering?
Embracing Peace as Yeshua Taught
So, what if Yeshua’s true legacy is not a call to suffer but an invitation to find peace? What if the real story isn’t about enduring pain for redemption but about realizing that we are already whole, already connected to something profound and loving within?
The beauty of his teachings lies in their simplicity: seek the Kingdom within, let love guide you, and release the burdens you don’t need to carry. As we allow ourselves to take Yeshua off the cross, we also release ourselves from the cross of suffering, embracing instead a path of compassion, understanding, and inner mastery.
In the end, this is what Yeshua lived for—not to show us the value of suffering, but to remind us of the strength and peace we can find within ourselves. Letting go of suffering is a radical choice, but one that brings us closer to the essence of his message. And as we continue on this journey, we may find that, just like Yeshua, we too can live with a heart full of love, untouched by the need to suffer.
T. Bel
This is, perhaps, my favorite essay. Personally, I don’t like the “Yeshua” vocabulary. It not only is archaic and New Agey, and can smack of the “I know more than you do!” Why not really be smug and write in Hebrew or Greek? 🙂 Your essays separate you rather dramatically from the usual narratives one finds in spirit (breath) reflections, and, to me, Yeshua slings you back into their fold.
Terry
Yes, I know you don’t like the name “Yeshua” but my clarity is that they are not one and the same. So when I refer to “Yeshua” I am referring to the actual human, not the religious construct, “Jesus”, which also exists, of course. It is not about language but about distinguishing between the two. See this post.