Scripture Reading: Luke 24:25–27

Introduction

A. When the two very different (and complementary) images of the Messiah come together, the composite is most beautiful.

B. The Jews recoiled at “the sufferings of Christ,” and, as a result, they missed “the glories that would follow” (1 Peter 1:11).

Discussion

I. Although the Messiah would suffer, He was never forsaken.

A. To everyone He would certainly appear forsaken (Isaiah 53:4; Psalms 22:8; Matthew 27:43, 45).

B. In spite of appearances, God never forsook Jesus (John 16:32; Psalms 22; cf. 2 Timothy 4:17).

C. Although the Father certainly had a hand in “putting Him to grief” and “bruising Him” (Isaiah 53:10; cf. Acts 2:23), Jesus was not forsaken as the Jews supposed.

II. Christ had to suffer in order to be fully glorified.

A. The same prophets who testified of the sufferings of Christ also bore witness to “the glories that would follow” (1 Peter 1:11; John 12:37–42; Isaiah 52:13; Philippians 2:9–11; Luke 24:25–26).

B. Jesus’ glory was perfected in His resurrection (1 Peter 1:21; Psalms 118:22–23; Ephesians 1:15–23; Colossians 2:10–15; Romans 6:4).

C. We are likewise glorified through suffering (1 Peter 4:13–16; 5:1–4, 10–11; 2 Corinthians 4:16–18; Romans 8:18; 2 Thessalonians 1:5–10).

Conclusion

A. Some will still surrender God’s glory so that they will not have to suffer (Galatians 6:12–14; cf. Jeremiah 2:11; Romans 1:23).

B. The glory that God gives will never fade (1 Peter 5:4; cf. 1 Sam. 4:21–22).

C. When we behold Jesus “with unveiled face,” we can then be “transformed into the same image from glory to glory” (2 Cor. 3:18).