Lesson Five: The message of the "Suffering of Jesus"

Text: Luke 24:44-49

Intro: Last week we discussed the ultimate motivation for doing missions = Jesus. We saw that we are motivated by the life of Jesus, today we will see that God motivates us by the suffering of Jesus. In our text, Jesus motivated His disciples by reminding them of His suffering.

1. Jesus said the Pentateuch, the prophets and the psalms foretold of His sufferings. VS44. See VS 26-27 = No doubt He recalled these Old Testament texts:

• The Passover lamb. Ref: Ex. 12:21-23; Mk 14:12

• The serpent on the tree. Ref: Numb. 21:9

• His agony on the cross. Ref: Psalm 22 = future perfect present tense

• The suffering servant. Ref: Isa. 50:6; 52:14; 53:1-7

2. Jesus said the truth of His suffering is to be preached in all the world. VS47

• This is the purpose for the power of the Holy Spirit. VS49; Ref: Acts 1:8

• This was the message of the New Testament church. Acts 2:22-23; 1 Cor. 15:1-5;Phil. 2:8; Heb. 2:9; Acts 8:32, 34-35

3. Jesus said those who witness His suffering are accountable to tell of it. VS48

• This is the "great" commission. Ref: Mark 16:15, Matt. 23.19-20

• The disciples witnessed Jesus’ suffering. 1 John 1:2-3; Ref Matt. 27

• The Scripture says all those who know of Jesus’ suffering are to tell it. 2 Cor. 5:19-21; Heb. 12:1-2 – we know ref: James 4:17

Conclusion: To see and not say is a crime, to know and not tell is sin. Surely the life and suffering of Jesus motivates us to do missions!