Prophesied: ‘He had to suffer’
“Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained … (Luke 24:26-27)
After the resurrection, Jesus Christ appeared to his disciples at various occasions. These appearances gave rise to reviving testimonies to a crest-fallen generation at the time when the needed salvation most. They are summarized in part by Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians (1Co 15:5-8):
‘and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.’
The case of Cleopas and his friend was very dramatic, and they too came to Jerusalem and gave testimony that Jesus is alive. This good news is too good to keep – it must be broadcast and shared widely.
But let us draw lessons from the drama: Cleopas and his friend were on the road to Emmaus and their countenance and discussion were hopelessly sad! They were lamenting and mourning the death of their hero, the one they ‘had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel’. Now he was dead and buried, but his grave had been vandalized – very perplexing! Perhaps they had only hoped according to their own wishes and understanding. This was the basis of the attack on them by this ‘stranger’ who joined their conversation, and started explaining from Moses and all prophets that this Redeemer had to suffer first before entering his glory.
They had read the prophets, but had they understood? Had they accepted and believed the entire message? Yes, Moses wrote about God speaking to the serpent, ‘he [the woman’s offspring] will crush your head’ but he also wrote, ‘and you will strike his heel.’ Isaiah wrote first ‘it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer’ and then ‘Therefore I will give him a portion among the great’ (Isa 53:10-12); King David had similar sequences in his prophetic Psalms. Indeed the Scriptures were not unclear about the Suffering Messiah.
Two lessons must stand out: reading and believing the Scriptures is paramount to a believer that would progress on the journey of salvation until we come to the eternal Kingdom through Jesus Christ. Secondly, when the journey goes through a valley of suffering, our heads should not bow down and sink into blinding disappointment – disappointment that makes one forget great and hope-filled promises. Without ignoring and denying the moment of pain, the believer ought to look forward to the greater gain and victory that is assured by our loving God. The Messiah walked a similar journey and conquered the greatest enemy. Now he reigns forever and ever, and we shall reign with Him. Hallelujah! God bless you all.