Luke 9:21-22
"And he straightly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day," Luke 9:21-22. We are very thankful for God's Word. We find in Scripture everything that pertains to life and godliness, yet there are certain parts of Scripture that we tend to turn away from or turn a deaf ear to.
Why? Why do we wholeheartedly embrace certain Scriptures while at the same time kick against other Scriptures? All Scripture is inspired by God (II Timothy 3:16); therefore, all Scripture is profitable. We naturally gravitate to that which pleases us, and we do the same thing when it comes to the Scriptures. We do not like to suffer, and we so not like for those we love to suffer; but suffering is part of life, and it is beneficial. "Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground; Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward," Job 5:6-7. Just as sure as the embers from a fire that is stocked fly upward, man is born into trouble. We read Scripture like these and we tend to think that these things will happen to other people, but not ourselves. How do we respond when suffering happens to us, or our loved ones?
"And he straightly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing," Luke 9:21. In verses 18-20 we read about Peter's confession of Who Christ is. This revealing to Peter and the disciples was a work of the Father in them. This truth would excite the disciples and no doubt they would want to openly proclaim this to the people at that time. But Christ "straightly charged" them not to tell anyone at that time. "Straightly charged" means to admonish strongly, with urgency, authority, i.e. to enjoin upon, charge strictly, e.g. not to tell something. The disciples were not to proclaim to the world that Christ is the Messiah until after His resurrection. This they did in Acts 2, and the true church has proclaimed this truth since then, and will continue to proclaim this truth until Christ comes back. We enjoy talking about Christ as the Messiah and we really like talking about Christ coming back. We know when Christ comes back that ultimate victory will be won. We know biblically what that means for us. No sin, no pain, and no suffering. This should cause us to desire for and pray that Christ will come back, even now. John, in the book of Revelation, after seeing the glorified Christ in heaven, wrote Revelation 22:20, "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."
"Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day," Luke 9:22. This is not what the disciples wanted to hear. They actually hated hearing this. They hated hearing it so much that they missed the glorious promise at the end of verse 22, "and be raised the third day." They were focused on what they did not like, so they missed what they needed to hear. They were sure that since Jesus was the Messiah and could work all these miracles that nothing bad could happen to Him. They were wrong. What they heard Christ say did not fit what they wanted to believe. It made them angry (Matthew 16:21-23). Their response was the result of their thoughts, and this was detriment in their walk with the Lord.
To suffer is to be affected by something from without, to be acted upon, to undergo an experience; meaning to suffer, be subjected to evil. The disciples did not see nor understand the benefits of suffering. Yes, it is beneficial for the Christian to suffer, and to be rejected, and even to be slain. Not only is it beneficial, it should be expected. "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution," II Timothy 3:12. Do we really believe this? If you read II Timothy 3:10-11, you see that no matter where Paul went, he suffered persecution for preaching Christ as the only Way to heaven. The true gospel is offensive to a lost world, and the lost world has always persecuted true Christians. Suffering for our Lord can become grievous to us. This is another reason it is so important that we understand these truths. Turn to II Timothy 1:8-12. Paul is telling Timothy that he can expect to be persecuted. When that time comes, do not be ashamed of being persecuted for the Lord, don't be ashamed of the gospel, and don't be ashamed of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. If you and I understand these things, we will not be ashamed. I want to again stress that no one is exempt from trials and tribulations. Let us turn to a few more Scriptures dealing with these truths. Turn to John 15:18-16:4. "These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended," John 16:1. Notice the word "offended". It is the Greek word "skandalizo" and means to put a stumbling block or impediment in the way, upon which another may trip and fall. To cause a person to begin to distrust and desert one whom he ought to trust and obey. If we think someone has lied to us, we will not trust them or obey them. Jesus Christ has told us we can expect persecution; and to be hated by this lost world.
There is a temptation during suffering to take the easy road. It is natural for us to preserve self. "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps," I Peter 2:21. If we are not careful, we will seek an alternative so we do not have to suffer persecution of any kind. We will look for the easy road, often disguised as immediate fulfillment. Turn to Luke 4:1-13. The temptation from the devil and this world is the same today; seek immediate fulfillment, don't wait on God; don't take up your cross and follow Christ, because if you do, you will suffer persecution. Temptation is calling us to take the easy road. I must add this here also, we are to simply live the Christian life for Jesus Christ, not seeking persecution. "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men," Romans 12:18. "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another," Romans 14:19.
In our text, Christ must suffer. He must go to the cross. He must be despised and rejected of men. In suffering according to the will of God, Christ looked for the joy that was set before Him. He gave His life for His church. May He grant us the grace that we will give our lives for Him, daily. Christ is worthy to serve. He saves sinners, and uses us in His ministry.
Has the Lord saved you, according to the Scriptures? If so, praise Him for His goodness, etc., but if not, I beg you to turn from your sins and turn to Christ. "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out," John 6:44.
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Soli Deo Gloria.
