Jesus told the disciples several times that “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised” (Luke 9:22) but they acted like they didn’t want to hear about it. They were not sure what this meant so they said little about it. Jesus often acknowledged that “he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation” (Luke 17:25). How quickly things changed after the Resurrection: both in their understanding and in their willingness to do whatever their faith required.
But being united to Christ doesn’t only mean we must be willing to suffer and die. It also means that, if we are united to him by faith and are faithful unto death, then we will also share in his resurrection, his glory, and the infinite joy that he experiences even now.
Other scriptures referenced include Acts 21:10-13; Philippians 3:10-11;Matthew 10:38; Matthew 16:24; Matthew 24:9; Romans 8:18; 1 Peter 4:12-13; and Philippians 4:13.
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