In Light of the Resurrection

Communion Meditation April 2025

Heb 12:2  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

When Christ observed the last Supper with his disciples, He knew what the following few days would hold, but His disciples were completely ignorant. It’s hard to overstate the different expectations that existed in that room. Eleven men were looking forward to an increasing ministry culminating in the crowning of Jesus as King. Jesus was looking forward to 24 hours of physical torture and public shame in which he would be crowned with thorns and hung on a tree for the world to mock and despise.

But we have some insight into the mind of Christ, because Hebrews tells us that Christ was willing to endure the cross for the joy set before Him. He knew that suffering would turn to redemption, shame would turn to glory, and death would turn to life. He knew that the bitterness of the cross would be overcome by the joy of resurrection and all that resurrection meant: new life for all who believe.

You and I have been united with Christ in resurrection through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but we have yet to, in a personal way, experienced the fulness of resurrection – although by faith we know that we will. For the time being, we may be asked to share in the suffering of Christ, or even as Paul, to fill up the suffering of Christ in this body. How can we endure shame? How can we endure pain? How can we endure the thorns? By looking ahead to the joy of resurrection, the healing of all things, and the new heavens and earth. Our eyes must not stay fixed on the suffering or injustices of this life, but on the Savior, who is seated at the right hand of the Father. If our hope is in this life only, we are of all men most miserable.

We live this life in light of the Resurrection, of which Jesus Christ is the first-fruits. We see through every death, every disappointment, and every sorrow to the life that will one day swallow up death in victory. Until then, we remember that this victory was accomplished for us when Christ endured the cross and conquered. So come hungry, and welcome to Christ.