The crowning event of the entire Plan of Salvation—our purpose for being here on earth—and the most important part of the Messiah's mission was his Atoning Sacrifice. Considering how monumental this event was in the history of the universe, it's interesting to see how little detail we have about it in the Gospels. In the Gospel of Mark, the most descriptive phrase of Christ's suffering is when he says, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch" (Mark 14:34). This makes me so grateful for the abundance of scripture that we have!
How could we ever comprehend the full meaning of the Atonement if all we had was the Gospel of Mark, and no other scripture? As I partake of the sacrament each week to renew my covenants to follow Him, I like to read one of Isaiah's descriptions of the mission of the Messiah: "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 54:4-5).
As we read the accounts given in the Gospels of Christ's suffering and death, we cannot help but think back on the many Messianic prophecies found all throughout the scriptures. These beautiful descriptions of our Saviors love for us and His willingness to suffer for our sins enhance our reading of the passion narrative so much!
I am so grateful to know that we have a loving Savior who suffered and died for us. I'm so glad to know that he has borne my afflictions and carried my sorrows. I know that He knows all of the pain and sorrow we feel through His own experience, so He knows how best to succor us. For this I am eternally grateful.
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