We are not told much about Jesus’ childhood, but we are given glimpses… “I am afflicted and ready to die from My youth up,” is one. We are told that “even his own brothers did not believe in Him,” until His death and resurrection. In adulthood, we are told that Satan plagued every step of Jesus’ earthly ministry by stirring up hatred, deniers, and slanderers.
But the night He was betrayed, He stood before His disciples, lifted His cup of wine, and said, “With great desire have I desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” Jesus Himself tells us, “I gave My back to the smiters, and My cheeks to those who plucked off the hair: I did not hide My face from shame and spitting” (Isaiah 50:6).
Is there anyone on this earth who has suffered as Jesus has? Surely, He would have reason for anger and resentment. But that’s not what we read. He endured it to save us… “Having loved His own, He loved them to the end… For the joy set before Him He endured the Cross, scorning the shame… He shall see the travail of His soul and be satisfied.”
This is the triumphant strength of righteousness He gifts to us in salvation… “Those who receive abundant grace and the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:17). We can reign over self, sin, temptations, the devil, and all the wrongs of this life… we have His strength to overcome all the world can throw at us.
We can be sure justice is coming. Jesus will return and judge this world in righteousness. But while we wait, He says, “Pick up your cross and follow Me,” because it’s the message of eternal triumph over all evil.
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