August 8. The Shadow of the Cross
J.R. Miller teaches that the path to Christ's glory and kingship was through suffering and the cross, emphasizing the necessity of enduring hardship for ultimate victory.
In this sermon, J.R. Miller explores the profound truth that Jesus’ path to kingship was paved with suffering and the cross. He explains how the disciples’ expectations were challenged by Christ’s revelation of His mission, emphasizing the necessity of enduring hardship for ultimate victory. Miller also encourages believers to find hope in the resurrection and the promise of eternal life, using biblical examples to illustrate the journey through suffering to glory.
Text
"He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again." Mark 8:31
Peter had made a noble confession of his faith in Christ as the promised Messiah, and now Jesus tells him what that Messiahship meant, and how He was to fulfill His mission. It was not as the disciples expected. They were looking for His manifestation as an earthly king. But He tells them that the way to His throne — was through suffering, and by the cross!
It is to be noticed, that while the way He marked out lay through darkness and sorrow — at the end there would be glory, "and after three days rise again." Thus there was to be no failure in His mission.
Paul taught the believers in Christ: "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God!" The tribulation was hard — but they would go through it; and beyond was the kingdom of Heaven!
In the Twenty-third Psalm there is a verse often quoted: "Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow." In these words there is a suggestion of gloom — but the writer is going through it; then comes "and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever!" So here the dying of the Savior seemed to be failure; but the rising again meant glory, victory, and eternal blessedness. He was simply going through death — as the appointed way to His throne.
This quiet announcement by our Lord of what was in store for Him, reminds us of an element of sorrow in Christ\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Messiah’s Mission
- Peter’s confession of Christ as Messiah
- Jesus reveals the true nature of His mission
- The unexpected path through suffering
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II. The Way of the Cross
- The necessity of rejection and suffering
- The cross as the path to the throne
- The promise of resurrection after death
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III. The Example for Believers
- Endurance through hardship as a Christian
- The hope beyond tribulation
- Living in the assurance of eternal glory
Key Quotes
“The way to His throne was through suffering, and by the cross!” — J.R. Miller
“While the way He marked out lay through darkness and sorrow — at the end there would be glory, 'and after three days rise again.'” — J.R. Miller
“He was simply going through death — as the appointed way to His throne.” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Embrace hardships as part of the Christian journey toward spiritual maturity.
- Trust in the promise of resurrection and eternal life beyond present sufferings.
- Follow Christ’s example by enduring rejection and trials with faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jesus have to suffer and die?
Jesus had to suffer and die to fulfill His mission as the Messiah, taking the way of the cross to bring redemption and victory over sin.
What does the 'shadow of the cross' mean?
The 'shadow of the cross' refers to the period of suffering and sorrow that precedes the glory of resurrection and eternal life.
How can believers apply this teaching to their lives?
Believers are encouraged to endure hardships with faith, knowing that suffering leads to spiritual growth and ultimate victory in Christ.
What is the significance of the resurrection in this sermon?
The resurrection confirms that Jesus’ mission was successful and offers believers hope of eternal life beyond suffering.