This week’s devotions are based on Week 3 of Confessing Christ in a Confused World (WATCH HERE)
Hebrews 12:2 “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
When Jesus told His disciples that He would suffer, die, and rise again, Peter only heard the first part. Peter heard suffering. Jesus saw resurrection.
We often do the same thing.
We focus on today’s struggles, today’s disappointments, today’s uncertainties. We can see the cross in front of us, but we struggle to see the empty tomb beyond it. Yet Jesus never lost sight of the joy that awaited Him. Hebrews tells us that “for the joy set before him” He endured the cross.
Think of a mother enduring the pain of childbirth. In the middle of labor, all she feels is discomfort and exhaustion. Yet she willingly endures because she knows what is coming. The joy beyond the pain gives meaning to the struggle.
Jesus endured infinitely more than physical pain. He bore the weight of humanity’s sin. He experienced abandonment and judgment in our place. Yet He endured because He knew what His sacrifice would accomplish. He knew that sinners would be redeemed. He knew that death would be defeated. He knew that countless believers would spend eternity with Him.
The resurrection changes how we view every hardship.
Without the resurrection, suffering seems pointless. With the resurrection, suffering becomes temporary.
Without the resurrection, death is the end. With the resurrection, death becomes a doorway into eternal life.
Without the resurrection, hope is wishful thinking. With the resurrection, hope becomes certainty.
This is why Paul could write in Romans 5 that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope. Christians are not called to enjoy suffering. We are called to see it through the lens of Christ’s victory.
Luther reminds us that Christ has redeemed us “from death.” That phrase deserves more attention than we often give it. Death remains an enemy, but it is a defeated enemy. Because Jesus walked out of His grave, believers can face their own graves with confidence.
The resurrection assures us that our story does not end with loss, failure, sickness, or death. Christ’s story has become our story. As surely as He rose, we too will rise.
So when life feels heavy, fix your eyes on Jesus. The empty tomb reminds us that suffering never gets the final word. Joy is coming. Resurrection is coming. Christ has seen to that.
Reflect: What current struggle are you tempted to view without the perspective of Christ’s resurrection? How does the promise of your own resurrection change the way you face suffering today?
Prayer: Risen Savior, thank You for conquering death and securing my future. When I become discouraged by present troubles, help me fix my eyes on You and remember that because You live, I too shall live. Fill my heart with resurrection hope. Amen.