177. How many steps do you notice in the humiliation of Christ?
Five: the birth in poverty; the suffering; the crucifixion; the death; the burial.
178. Why did Christ begin His life on earth with the birth in poverty?
He began His life in poverty to show that His kingdom is not of this world, and that we might be made rich through His poverty.
179. When was the suffering of Christ greatest?
In the night before His death, and on Good Friday, when He was delivered into the hands of His enemies, and was bound, beaten, scourged, crowned with thorns, and finally nailed to the cross.
180. Did Christ suffer bodily pain only?
No; His greatest suffering was a fearful anguish of soul on account of our sins.
181. When in particular did he suffer this anguish?