Triumph and suffering often go hand in hand. Jesus went from triumph on Palm Sunday, prophesied His ultimate triumph, and then experienced horrendous suffering. Yet His suffering was just the beginning of the ultimate victory.
Prophecy
Before Christ comes back there will be much suffering for the whole world. The most important thing to learn about the Second Coming is that we do not know when it will be, just that He will come back and that we must keep watch (Matthew 24).
“But nobody knows when that day or hour will come, not the heavenly angels and not the Son. Only the Father knows.” (Matthew 24:36 CEB)
This is a purposefully vague prophecy. It’s obvious that God does not want us caught up in prediction addiction. Jesus includes a picture of normal life before Noah’s flood.
“When the Son of Man appears, things will be just as they were when Noah lived. People were eating, drinking, and getting married right up to the day the flood came and Noah went into the big boat. They didn't know anything was happening until the flood came and swept them all away. This is how it will be when the Son of Man appears.” (Matthew 24:37-39 CEV)
Does Jesus confirm the Noah flood narrative? In the context of Noah’s flood, what does being “taken” portray?
“Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left.” (Matthew 24:40-41 ESV)
The “left behind” theories have difficulties with this passage. Jesus compares those “taken away” with evil people swept away in Noah’s flood. The natural reading of this passage is the opposite of the “left behind” theories. As the world suffers, what must we do?
“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” (Matthew 24:42 KJV)
What does watch mean?
“Keep watching and praying, so that you do not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41 NASB)
Shepherds watch flocks to protect them. Jesus warns us to remain clothed (Revelation 16:15), to watch and pray that we do not fall into temptation (Mark 14:38). Unlike the five foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) a good watch is always ready, on guard lest the enemy tempt them. Jesus explained it further.
“But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Matthew 24:43-44 NIV)
Jesus is like a burglar in only one important way, His coming is unexpected. Jesus challenges us to stay alert, be vigilant, prepared for His coming. Watch and pray so that when He comes we will be ready.
Communion
Communion reminds us of His suffering. It is variously called the Eucharist (giving thanks), the Lord’s Supper, and Mass (from dismissal). It is common to almost all Christians, except perhaps Quakers and the Salvation Army. What did Jesus say?
“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.’ Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.’ ” (Matthew 26:26-28 NKJV)
Jesus gave thanks. That’s eucharisteo in Greek, giving rise to our English word Eucharist. Notice that He neither said, this “transubstantiates” into my body nor this “symbolizes” my body. Jesus simply said, “is.” Leaving it as a mystery. In the west, the word mystery was translated as a sacrament, originally meaning a divine blessing by physical means.
Denied and Betrayed
As Jesus suffered, Peter denied Him three times. The other disciples scattered. Judas betrayed him. Will we too fail Jesus? Are these experiences still common in church life?
“Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” (Matthew 26:41 NLT)
The Garden Prayer
In the garden Jesus taught us by example, a prayer that many have prayed since.
“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39 ESV)
Kangaroo Courts
Witnesses were found who would give false testimony of Jesus. Christians have been falsely accused at many times and places ever since.
“Now the chief priests, the elders, and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus… at last two false witnesses came forward and said, ‘This man said, “I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.” ’ ” (Matthew 26:59-61 WEB)
Jesus was beaten, slapped, spat upon, flogged, mocked and crucified.
“Those who were walking by insulted Jesus, shaking their heads and saying, ‘So you were going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, were you? Save yourself! If you are God’s Son, come down from the cross.’ ” (Matthew 27:39-40 CEB)
And He was buried.
Resurrection
Women discovered the empty tomb very early on that Sunday morning. An angel spoke.
“The angel said to the women, ‘Don't be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was nailed to a cross. He isn't here! God has raised him to life, just as Jesus said he would. Come, see the place where his body was lying. Now hurry! Tell his disciples he has been raised to life and is on his way to Galilee. Go there, and you will see him. This is what I came to tell you.’ ” (Matthew 28:5-7 CEV)
Then, they met Jesus.
“So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.’ ” (Matthew 28:8-9 ESV)
The Great Commission
When Jesus appeared after He rose, He had some important instructions to tell them all.
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:18-20 KJV)
Suffering has always been a part of the Christian path to victory.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18 HCSB)
Many martyrs have had to suffer death as Jesus did. In politically free countries, Christians may suffer loss of a friendship, a university placement, or even the ire of church elders that only want “smooth things” preached (Isaiah 30:9-13).
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the revelation of His glory you may also rejoice and be overjoyed.” (1 Peter 4:12-13 NASB)
Faithful churches obey the Great Commission and make the teachings of Jesus central to our common faith. Will you have a change of heart and mind, believe the good news of God’s reign and obey Jesus? You decide!
