the Rev. Henry Huenemann
From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day (Matthew 16:21).
Bible Reading
Matthew 16:21-28:Devotional
After Peter had made that wonderful confession, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God," Jesus began to tell his disciples of his suffering and death, to prepare them for what was to come. He must teach them the purpose and true significance of his mission. He must suffer and die. It is a divine "must." True, He voluntarily took upon himself the work of salvation, and gave his life freely as a ransom for sin. There was no outside compulsion. Yet, having undertaken the work of redemption, He must finish it. His whole life was a divine "must." He must suffer many things. Think of Gethsemane; think of the insults and ill treatments at the hands of Jews and Gentiles; think of the agonies of the cross; think of his humiliating death. Nothing less would do. He suffered all for you and me. But death could not hold him. Having made full satisfaction for sin, He rose again on the third day. And because He lives, we shall live also. Moreover, as followers of Christ, we must also be willing and ready to suffer many things for his sake. If we suffer with him, we shall also be glorified with him. If we are partakers of his suffering, we shall at the revelation of his glory rejoice with exceeding joy.
Prayer
We thank Thee, our heavenly Father, for the gift of Thy Son, for all his sufferings and shameful death. We stand in awe when we contemplate what it cost him to save us from sin and death. We adore Thee and praise Thy name for the full and free salvation through Christ. We thank Thee for the assurance, that because He lives, we shall live also. Make us willing and ready to suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. In his name, and for his sake we pray. Amen.
Scripture in Devotional: Rom. 8:17; I Pet. 4:13.
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