Defined as “any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling”, “enthusiastic enjoyment of an interest or activity”, “an emotion that is deeply stirring”, we see that our English word “passion” primarily deals with emotion, ardent affection or an intense desire, however, in years gone by, this word “passion”, referred to other senses, including “suffering”.
To whom also he shewed
himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them
forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God –
Acts 1:3 (KJV)
The prologue of the Book of Acts speaks of Jesus appearing
alive “after His passion”. Clearly this has nothing to do with the modern-day
use of the word.
Our English word passion is derived from Latin, “patior”, meaning
“to experience, undergo, endure, suffer” with its perfective aspect “passus”
expressing a completed action.
And it is in this regard that the New Testament consistently
utilises this word and when capitalized, refers specifically to Jesus Christ’s
last sufferings and death – the betrayal, the arrest, the trial, the scourging,
the journey to Golgotha, the cross…
Beloved, as you journey along this last week of Lent, I encourage you to meditate upon His Passion and everything that Jesus experienced, underwent, endured, and suffered on your behalf, all because God so loves you.
Amen †
Shelley Johnson “His Passion” ©2026 March 30, 2026
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