Triumph & Suffering

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)