Purpose
Read Luke 24.25-27
“’Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter His glory?’” (Luke 24.26)
The crucifixion of Jesus must have seemed a dreadful tragedy. The Scriptures provide the perspective of God and make it clear that His purpose in the cross was the fulfilment of His promise of salvation.
‘Faith means believing in advance what only makes sense in reverse’ (Philip Yancey): to what Bible truths do you turn in times of perplexity and pain?
How would you explain to an enquiring friend the ways in which the Old Testament points to the necessity of Christ’s suffering?
Prayer: When anxiety is great within me, Lord, may the consolations of Your Word bring joy to my troubled soul (Ps.94.19). [Make a habit of praying the psalms!]