DAY 20 | Man of Sorrows

He was despised and rejected by people. He was an Ish Mach’ovot (Man of Sorrows), familiar with suffering. He was despised like one from whom people turn their faces, and we didn’t consider him to be worth anything.
Isaiah 53:3

Pronunciation Reference: אִישׁ מַכְאֹבוֹת

photography by Pelly Benassi / calligraphy by Rita Ip

MUSIC

PRAYER

Man of Sorrows, I adore You. You left the heavenly splendor and died on the cross to show mankind what love is.

Thank You for Your love and undeserved suffering. You were rejected, accused, insulted, beaten, and crucified for undeserving ones like me.

Forgive me when I am numb to Your excruciating death on the cross and when my hardened heart does not respond to Your love and grace.

You know my weakness. You know how much I prefer an easy and comfortable life. Lord, please change my heart. I will take up my cross and share in Your suffering. Help me see the eternal purpose behind the pain.

Because You are the Man of Sorrows, I declare I will arm myself with the same attitude You had and be ready to suffer and endure hardship for You.

A few facts…

The prophecy of the Messiah recorded in Isaiah 53 depicts a suffering servant known as the "Man of Sorrows," Ish Mach’ovot (אִישׁ מַכְאֹבוֹת). Here, "sorrows" comes from the Hebrew word maḵ'ōḇ (מַכְאֹב), meaning pain, sorrow, and grief, encompassing both physical and emotional anguish.
The portrayal of the "Man of Sorrows" in Isaiah's prophecy vividly illustrates Christ's suffering.
The translation of Ish Mach’ovot often includes phrases such as "man of sorrows", "man of suffering", and occasionally "man of pains" in certain versions.

SMILE & BREATHE

Find a quiet place, and sit down comfortably. Relax your neck, shoulders, and jaw.

Smile, for His love makes you worthy.

Slowly inhale through your nose, focusing your attention on His sacrificial love.

Pause in this moment, holding your breath for a few seconds, acknowledging that He forever understands and bears your pain.

Exhale slightly longer than your inhale, releasing all your sorrows onto the cross.

Exercise 1:

TWO-WAY JOURNALING

Today, we have the opportunity to address the Man of Sorrows in a heartfelt letter. Unlike the communal experience of meditating on His sacrifice during communion at church, where we are usually guided by a leader, this moment is unique. It is just you and Him in this intimate "secret place." What thoughts or questions would you like to share with the One who gave His life for you? Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to provide guidance as you pen your dialogue with Him.

[Part 1]
Dear Man of Sorrows, …
[Part 2]
Dear (your name), …

• Ask Jesus to walk you through the path to the cross

• Tell Him your thoughts and feelings toward the way He sacrificed for you. Again, be truthful rather than nice

• If you feel numb to Him and His sacrificial love, consider taking this opportunity to address it

• If you feel led to process your own sorrows today, give yourself permission to do so. He never invalidates or trivializes your pain by comparing your pain with His

Check out Appendix 2 for more.

Exercise 2:

DECLARATION

As the Man of Sorrows, He intimately understands pain and suffering. How does His nature connect with your present-day life? Write a simple declaration that holds personal significance.

Because You are the Man of Sorrows, I declare I can / I will / I am…

Read your declaration aloud, allowing Him and yourself to hear those words repeatedly. Let them to penetrate deeply within you, taking root in your heart and mind.

Today marks the end of Day 20 of our remarkable journey, and we find ourselves two-thirds of the way there. I eagerly anticipate numerous heart-to-heart encounters with Him in the days to come. On this momentous day, my prayer is for you to realize that YOU are the reason He endured the cross, as stated in Hebrews 12:2, being "the joy that was set before Him."