Scripture References: Luke 17:20-25 (Main); Matthew 13; 2 Corinthians 4:7-5:5; Romans 8:18-25; Hebrews 12:2
Intro: Continuing our "First Things" series on Jesus' priorities, this sermon examines Luke 17:25 where Jesus states, "But first, the Son of Man must suffer terribly..." What are the implications for us that Jesus, our King, established this pattern of suffering before glory? How does His suffering transform our own experience of pain and hardship?
Key Points:
- Kingdom Context (Luke 17:20-24): Jesus addresses differing expectations about God's kingdom.
- To Pharisees: The kingdom isn't primarily external political change detectable by signs; it's already present in Jesus' person and ministry.
- To Disciples: His final, glorious return will be unmistakable (like lightning), but don't be misled by false claims in the meantime.
- The Necessary Prerequisite: Suffering (v. 25): Jesus declares His suffering and rejection are a necessary first step before His ultimate glory. This challenged common Messianic expectations of immediate triumph.
- Understanding the Delay & Mix (Matthew 13 Parables): Jesus used parables (Sower, Wheat & Weeds, Mustard Seed) to explain the kingdom's nature in this current age: its message faces rejection (optional, not forceful), good and evil coexist until the final harvest (mixed, not pure yet), and it starts small and grows slowly (seeds, not swords). This addresses our frustration with the kingdom's seemingly limited impact now.
- How Jesus' Suffering Transforms Ours: Because He suffered first:
- Our Suffering is Temporary ("Camping," 2 Cor 4-5): This earthly life, with its afflictions, is like a temporary tent. We groan under its burdens, but it's preparing us for an eternal, glorious home. Knowing suffering isn't permanent provides endurance.
- Our Suffering Has Purpose ("Childbirth," Rom 8): The "groaning" of creation and believers is like labor pains—productive suffering leading to the glorious birth of the new creation and the redemption of our bodies. Our pain has meaning and will be eclipsed by future glory, just as Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him (Heb 12:2).
- We Can Trust God Through Suffering (The Cross): The Cross is our ultimate reference point. It shows God working righteousness through apparent injustice, victory through seeming defeat, and sovereign presence even in silence or apparent absence. It teaches us to trust His character when circumstances are confusing.
- The Son of Man Goes First: Jesus' chosen title emphasizes His shared humanity. He experienced suffering first, meaning He understands and empathizes. He remains with us in our suffering ("goes nowhere"). He prepares our eternal future.
Conclusion: Jesus established the kingdom pattern: suffering precedes glory. His suffering doesn't eliminate ours, but it radically reframes it, giving it temporary boundaries and eternal purpose. By fixing our eyes on Jesus—the Son of Man who suffered first, the Cross where God's wisdom was revealed, and the future glory He secured—we find hope and endurance.
Call to Action: Interpret your suffering through the lens of Christ who suffered first. Embrace the perspective that present trials are temporary ("camping") and purposeful ("childbirth"). Look to the Cross to strengthen your trust in God's goodness during hard times. Aim past this life, prioritizing God's eternal kingdom.
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