Reading: The word “surprise” is an exciting word! But when some people hear it, the surprise trailer is hitched to the anxiety one, depending on the context of the situation. The bottom line is that some things in this world should surprise us because unexpected things happen in this world. At the same time, there are things that happen to us that should not surprise us at all. 

Peter writes about one of those suprises today. As a Christian, one thing that should not surprise us is persecution for following Jesus. So many churches are teaching believers that if you follow Jesus everything will go well, and nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the biblical writers say exactly the opposite is true. Listen to these verses and let them sink into our hearts:

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” -Matthew 5:11-12

Read this next verse. the context is that people were calling Jesus “Beelzebul” (another name for Satan) in his ministry, and Jesus says they probably will call you something similar too if you follow him.

 “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master.  It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!” -Matthew 10:24-25

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.  If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.  Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.  They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.” -John 15:18-21

“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” -Romans 8:17

The clear truth from Jesus, and throughout the New Testament, is that Christians should not be surprised by suffering, specifically because we are following the one who suffered. We have given our life to follow the one who laid down his life for us. But we must remember that as we follow the suffering servant, we will not only follow him through suffering. We will also follow him into glory. That is a beautiful promise, and our suffering isn’t in vain. The lamb that was slain is now alive and seated at the right hand of God, and when we follow him though, even though we die, we will live forever with him in paradise.

Reflection:  What is suffering for Christ? Give examples.

Prayer Prompt: Thank you, Jesus, for suffering, and thank you for being an example when trials come my way. Remind me of you and the future glory you have promised when things get hard. Bless those who are persecuted for your name’s sake today.