The word teaches us that Jesus became obedient through what He suffered. When we reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus, it has to be viewed within the context of God’s eternal plan. If we proclaim that God knows all things, even the end from the beginning, then we have to see the death and resurrection as that which God foreknew. The crucifixion and resurrection must be observed as more than simply two single ‘stand-out’ events which occurred. When viewing them from an eternal perspective, our understanding is awakened to a new dimension of truth.
Typically, we’re moved because Jesus was beaten, battered and bruised, hung on a cross and died for our sins, so we could be reconciled with God the Father, and rightfully so. We should acknowledge, honor, respect and remember the act of love on the cross. But was His death on the cross merely to reconcile us and to be in right standing with God? Not necessarily. The death and resurrection of Jesus forms part of the gospel, but by not means constitutes the whole gospel. This is the starting point, the entrance, the gateway that leads to something greater. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”(John 14:6). Jesus is the WAY to the Father, He is the TRUTH of the revealed revelation of the Father, and He is through God, the source of LIFE. The cross is not a destination, it is the narrow gate that few pass through.
Matthew 7:14 (AMP)
“But small is the gate and narrow and difficult to travel is the path that leads the way to [everlasting] life, and there are few who find it.”
It’s moving beyond the cross that we begin to experience a bit of “discomfort”. There’s almost an expectation for us to move on from the cross. Without abandoning it’s purpose and nature, or reducing it’s cherished value. We must begin to relate accurately to it’s purpose and function, placing it in it’s correct order on the path of salvation. Sadly, the majority of Christians set up camp at the foot of the cross, having Jesus only ever forgive and wash them of their sins. Patiently they live out their lives from the standpoint of nothing more than ‘sinners saved by Grace’. They go through life enduring all that is to be endured, while awaiting the return of our Lord to rescue them of the pressures of this life.
It was always in the heart of God to abide with His people, to be reconciled with them after the fall of Adam. When we fully comprehend the eternal workings of God, we’re able to see that He doesn’t simply ‘spring’ things on us. God has always worked in types and shadows, seeking to make His true intentions known to us.
Consider the tabernacle of Moses. The tabernacle consisted of three parts: The Outer Court; The Holy Place; and The Holy of Holies. The construction of the tabernacle and all of it’s furnishings were by no means without significance and purpose. But this is not a teaching on the tabernacle, but it’s reference is to reveal God’s singular eternal purpose. When the common Israelite approached the tabernacle through the entrance gate he found that between him and the tabernacle structure stood The Bronze/Brazen Alter with a priest waiting beside it. The priest was there to inspect the quality of the sacrifice offered for the atonement of sin.
Without going into too much detail, this alter was the place for burning animal sacrifices and sprinkling it’s blood for the atonement, or atleast the covering of sin. This was symbolic in showing the Israelites that the first step towards approaching a Holy God (who’s presence was in the Holy of Holies), was to be cleansed by the blood of an innocent animal. And it would be Christ Jesus, found innocent and perfect, who would become the ultimate and last sacrifice, crucified on a cross. The conclusion of this matter is that the sacrifice made on the Brazen Alter in the Outer Court was the initial step required in order that the presence of God could be accessed. Entering into the Holy of Holies was the true aim of the tabernacle, maybe not for the average Israelite, but certainly for us, who are partakers of a greater covenant.
Hebrews 10:19-22 (NIV)
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart...”
Studying the life of Jesus, it should be obvious to see that all He’s done was to display and leave an example of how it is we should live. This truth cannot be emphasized enough. What was the example left for us by Jesus dying on a cross, and are we following that example?
Peter said, “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow HIS steps” (1 Pet. 2:21). Just as teachings that do not conform to Christ’s doctrine are false, so a life that does not conform to Christ’s example is misdirected, and will not achieve its high potential destiny to which God has called it to.
There’s a cost to following Jesus
Matthew 16:24 (AMP)
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, CONFORMING TO MY EXAMPLE IN LIVING and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].
There is an order to ALL things, “let him deny himself, pick up his cross and follow Me”. There’s no true following Jesus until you’ve picked up your cross, BUT there’s no picking up your cross until you’ve denied yourself. We recite this verse of scripture as though it’s simply another common saying. We easily exclude the true weight of understanding and expectation that accompanies it. Christians typically frown upon the idea of suffering as a Christian. It’s thought of that suffering equates to sin. The thought of suffering goes against “being blessed; an overcomer; victorious; living our best life”. Yet there is a goal, an end result to us as Christians enduring sufferings.
Jesus offered salvation as a free gift through His death on the cross, but also warns us that following Him would entail suffering and hardships.
James 1:2-4 (NKJV)
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
God is bringing us to a place whereby we begin to walk as Jesus walked in this earth, a place of maturity and obedience. Jesus wasn’t obedient simply because He was Jesus. The word says in Hebrews 5:8-9 (NIV)”Though He was a Son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him”. Jesus learnt how to become obedient. In-line with how Jesus became perfect (mature) through what He suffered, so the word indicates the result of our trials and sufferings are so that we are made perfect (mature).
In order that Jesus could become the perfect sacrifice and the source of eternal life, He first needed to become ‘perfect‘ (mature). And He became ‘perfect‘ (mature) by becoming ‘obedient‘, and He became ‘obedient‘ through the things He ‘suffered‘. So the aim of our suffering is to bring us to obedience, in order that we become perfect (mature) so that we can fulfill that which God has called us to.
This needs to comprehended! God will not send immature, disobedient children out to do His will. The church is in this current state it’s in because most “churches” are operated by the immature and the disobedient. Led by those who have placed themselves in seats of authority and leadership over the things of God. But yet live by the desires of their flesh. Hence so many revelations of corruption, sexual immorality, all sorts of debauchery and perversions keep coming forth. This is not the functioning of those who have gone through the sufferings, becoming obedient, in order to reach perfection (maturity).
Philippians 2:8 (NIV)
‘And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!‘
Jesus thought nothing of His life, and humbled it to the point of death. And what is expected of us? To follow His example. To humble ourselves to the point of death on our own cross.
Everyone wants wear the crown, with a seat on the throne in the heavenly realm, yet no-one wants to bear their cross. Jesus prayed in Luke 22:42 (KJV) ” Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done”.
Jesus hoped He could bypass the cross. That if there was any other way to accomplish the Father’s will, He’d take it. It wasn’t simply just another day in the life of Jesus, living a sacrificial life. He knew what laid ahead, that He was going to die. Yet it was another struggle and suffering He would need to overcome and show Himself humble and obedient. But He’s desire to do the will of His Father was greater than His need to preserve His own life. He was looking at the joy beyond the shame of the cross. And that joy was NOT the chance to sit on the throne. The joy was the fulfillment of the Fathers will and purpose.
Do we truly live our lives humbly carrying our cross, facing the shame of the struggles we endure, and in view of, not for what we will gain, but for the joy of fulfilling the purpose and will of the Father. Can we honestly say this is the pureness of our heart’s confession? Is the Father’s pleasure above our own? Because even though we want the cup to pass us by, when praying “not our will but Yours be done”, we’re saying “regardless of what might happen to me, in-spite of the struggles and trials I might face, have YOUR way”. Are we willing to give ourselves to His will, regardless of the price?
Luke 6:40 (AMP)
“A student is not superior to his teacher; but everyone, after HE HAS BEEN COMPLETELY TRAINED, will be like his teacher.“
If there is any true understanding, then it will be understood that there is no bypassing the suffering and trials that will come. Not for those who truly seek to go beyond the cross/Brazen alter, and enter into the Holy of Holies/the place where God calls us to. So when we view the death and resurrection in light of the eternal plan of God, we recognize our lives are not beyond the Master’s. If Jesus learnt obedience through the things He suffered, there’s only one manner in which we would become obedient. If we are not willing to go through the processes it takes to move beyond the cross, our accomplishing the true goal in God is nothing more than ‘delusional’.
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