PLANNED PATH TO SUFFERING

Matthew 20:17-19 Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and
said to them, 'We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief
priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the
Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!' (NIVUK)



The disciples were the trainee apostles. In such a short time, Jesus called the men He had chosen,
and exposed them to a wide variety of ministry situations - including many sessions of teaching after
which He would explain the parables. All this training was to equip them for the time when they would
lead the new church, in Jesus' absence, under the direction of the Holy Spirit. But that time of training
was shortly going to come to an end: violently, on the cross.

While most of Jesus' teaching was planned to intrigue the disciples so that they would ask further
questions, Jesus had already specially told them about His death twice already (Matthew 16:21,
17:22-23). This was to be the third time. It was not a question to please or fire up them; and it was not
in response to any known question. It was as though Jesus had deliberately stopped by the roadside
and said to the twelve men, "I have something important to tell you, you must listen". We know what
He was talking about, but the disciples could not understand something which was so shocking.

Nevertheless Jesus told them exactly what would happen. Every detail was true because Jesus knew
what would happen; indeed the Lord has orchestrated every part of the poor suffering so that it would
be a just punishment for the sins of the whole world. The resurrection was also a part of the big
gospel plan. If Christ merely died, then there would be no hope for the church. However His
resurrection gave proof that He was stronger than death, and would inspire many millions of believers
to put their trust in the living Lord Jesus Christ.

Unlike human society in which power comes through military or political take-over, the kingdom of
God depends upon the suffering of its Leader, and those who lead after Him. It will happen - said
Jesus. And yet He was not afraid. What an example to those men, most of whom would be martyred
for their faith. People who come to Jesus for all the 'added benefits' may also go away when the good
things fail to turn up. A gospel that is all blessing and no suffering is weak. If you are suffering for
Christ's sake, your faith is not out of order; you have not believed a lie. Suffering is all part of the
package which comes with Jesus (Philippians 1:29; 3:10). When it comes - do not treat it with distain,
but bear it with intentional courage as Jesus and the apostles chose to do.

Prayer: Dear Lord God. Thank you that Jesus did not shrink back from the cross. Nor did the
apostles value their lives more highly than that of Jesus Christ. I am sorry for when I have chosen the
easy options, avoiding pain and suffering wherever possible. Please teach me how to bear what You
allow and to value the privilege of sharing in the suffering of Christ. I pray too for my brothers and
sisters worldwide whose faith is currently being tested by suffering. May they have Your strength and
joy so that they can endure it. In Jesus' Name. Amen.