Timeline Continues

Matthew 16:21 “From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”
 
THE Bible teaches us in love he predestined us to be adopted as his children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. (Ephesians 1:4-6)
   But something had to happen before the Father adopted us as his own, didn’t it? Stop now. As you confess Christ, consider in awe and wonder that Jesus purposefully moved through his ministry to the cross in the Father’s time. The Lord Jesus was very clear to tell his disciples of his suffering, death and resurrection.
   Luke quotes Jesus’ resolve to fulfill the Father’s will: But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! (Luke 12:50) His death, burial, resurrection and ascension completed God’s Kingdom timeline on earth. Jesus’ earthly life made the way for you to enter into God’s Kingdom as God had predestined – planned, formed and chosen – you. The Father had pointed to this event through time with the Covenants, the Flood, the Patriarchs, the Exodus, the Law, the Prophets and the Exile.
   Jesus was clear about this. Unlike the parables, Jesus’ words had no hidden meaning. He directly told the chosen what would happen soon. But the disciples rebelled. They could not believe this “Son of the Living God” would die, let alone under such suffering. He was Messiah, King of the Jews. Death was out of the question!
   Is Jesus’ ministry clear to you? Think about this. If you confess Christ your time has come from eternity past to today. You know the truth and blessing of your life because Jesus was willing to suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.      
   The Father has only one way to make a way for you to be born again. The first step is the incarnate Son had to experience the baptism of suffering.
   This is the gospel - impossible, unbelievable, sacrificial, true and wonderful! The gospel is formed in Jesus’ obedience to the Father’s eternal purpose for your eternal life.
   Yes, rejoice in the third day (he was) raised to life. And rejoice you are raised to life. This is God’s end-time promise for you.