Jesus is described as 'a man of sorrows' by the prophet Isaiah: "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering." (Isaiah 53:3).

Jesus was born to a life of suffering, but his sorrow was not for himself but for the people he had come to save and who were rejecting him (see Matthew 23:37; Luke 23:28; Matthew 9:15). Jesus expected persecution for himself and for his followers (see Matthew 5:11) but knew that sorrow would be turned to joy at his return (see Matthew 5:4). Jesus said to his disciples:

"In a little while you will see me no more…you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy…I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy." (John 16:19-22).