In Light of Suffering:
Is God Good? 2

Grunewald, Matthias. The Resurrection, Isenheim Altarpiece. 1512-16, Unterlinden Museum, Colmar.

Will God deliver us from our suffering?

Describe the image.

Contrast this painting with the previous image of Jesus on the cross (p. 27).

How do altarpieces work?

Think of the Isenheim Altarpiece like a cupboard. On the outside of the closed cupboard is the painting of Jesus on the cross, suffering horribly from crucifixion and the skin disease, ergotism. When the cupboard/altarpiece is opened, the painting of the resurrection is displayed on one of the inside panels.

What is the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ?

Jesus rose from the dead to give hope to all those who suffer; he is able to give life to all who turn to him. Jesus said, “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19b). When a person entered the Isenheim hospital and gazed at the painting of the crucifixion, they likely thought, “That fellow surely knows what it is to suffer.” When contemplating Jesus in his resurrection splendor, the intended reaction was, “If there is hope for him, surely there is hope for me.”

Does the resurrection of Jesus Christ give you hope in the midst of suffering? Why or why not?

Why doesn’t God put an end to suffering?

This is the question we get stuck on. Sometimes we conclude that God does not care about suffering, or that he isn’t powerful enough to stop it, or that he doesn’t exist.

What is your opinion?

What is the biblical teaching on suffering?

The painter of this image, Matthias Grunewald, does not doubt God’s goodness, power, or existence; Jesus Christ overcame death when he rose three days after his crucifixion. Grunewald’s message is clear—though a person may feel hopeless in suffering, the resurrection of Christ promises the hope and comfort of a bright future, if not now, then certainly in the final resurrection. Our present suffering does not tell the whole story. The future is better than we can imagine or conceive. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9b NLT).

The hope of a Christian is to live with God in harmony forever as a result of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is what the Bible means when it uses the words “eternal life.”

What do you think of this concept?

Does the resurrection of Jesus Christ give you a reason to believe in the goodness of God? Explain.