How do we know Jesus' sufferings were real and significant?

The reality of Jesus' sufferings is affirmed in Scripture, particularly in the accounts of His anguish in Gethsemane, where He prayed earnestly, 'If it be possible, let this cup pass from me' (Matthew 26:39). This emotional turmoil, coupled with the prophetic declarations of His suffering in the Old Testament, underscores the necessity of His sacrificial death. Not only did Jesus fulfill the prophecies concerning the Messiah's sufferings, but He also demonstrated His obedience to the Father's will, stating, 'Nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done' (Luke 22:42). His sufferings were a vital part of the redemptive plan, illustrating the depths of His love for humanity and His commitment to fulfilling God's purpose.