Accept Your Share of Suffering for Jesus Christ
Rev. Tse Amable | October 2 2024 | John 18:1-11
KEY VERSE:
“Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” John 18:4 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
Jesus Christ knew why he left the glories of heaven and came to this wicked world as a human being. He knew he came to offer his life as the Lamb of God and to shed his blood to redeem mankind. He told his disciples that “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and TO GIVE HIS LIFE AS A RANSOM FOR MANY” (Matthew 20:28). He had advanced knowledge of all that was going to happen to him. When he entered the Garden of Gethsemane that fateful night, he was not running away and trying to avoid arrest. Instead, he went to pray so that the Father would strengthen him to accept that bitter cup of suffering coming and to drink it all.
Hence, when the soldiers led by Judas Iscariot entered the garden, Jesus Christ knew the hour had come for what was written about him to be fulfilled - to be crucified. Courageously he stepped out and asked the soldiers “Who is it you want?”
Jesus Christ knew he was to suffer so that mankind would be saved and he willingly embraced that painful suffering and death.
We live in a generation which considers and teaches that every suffering is to be resisted, seeing it as a lack of faith. But the Bible makes it clear that God allows us to go through some suffering as a means of polishing us just as a goldsmith would polish jewelry through fire. Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy: “Take [with me] YOUR SHARE OF THE HARDSHIPS AND SUFFERING [WHICH YOU ARE CALLED TO ENDURE] as a good (first-class) soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:3 AMP). Don’t run away from the suffering which is in the will of God for you and packaged by the all-knowing God to make you attain his divine nature.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
What is your reaction to suffering and adversity? Do you know that the Lord can use suffering through trials and tribulations to purify your soul and spirit?
PRAYER:
Father, I thank you that you know all the trials and tribulations I am going through. Please strengthen me to accept my share of the hardships and sufferings which I am called to endure for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: WENT OUT
The phrase "went out" comes from the Greek verb exerchomai (ἐξέρχομαι), meaning to go forth or to step out. It implies deliberate movement or action toward a particular outcome, often with purpose or intention.
"went out" used in our key verse for today's devotional refers to Jesus stepping forward to confront the soldiers who had come to arrest Him. This act reflects Jesus’ courage and willingness to embrace His suffering, knowing it was part of God’s redemptive plan. He did not hide or avoid His fate, but actively took the initiative to meet it. Just as Jesus moved toward His trials with full knowledge, we are called to approach our own difficulties with faith, trusting that God’s greater purpose is at work in our lives. Reflections: How do you respond when faced with trials? Like Jesus, are you able to step forward with trust, knowing that God’s plan includes even the challenges you face?
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