Those first disciples faced the realities of discipleship. There were celebrations and challenges. They learned that suffering was an ingredient of the latter.
Those disciples knew of their Master’s suffering. And He prepared them for the personal suffering they would face. This is what Jesus shared just before His Passion began — “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
Yes, walking in the sandals of the Savior involves suffering. This is a timeless truth that also applies to us as His followers today. Prepare to be seasoned by suffering.
We also have a role model of suffering, as Christ planned it to be. It is the legacy of the apostle Paul — the last disciple chosen by Christ (Acts 9:15). Christ added this prediction — “For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of My name.” (v.16).
Paul gives a portrayal of his suffering in his second letter to the Corinthians (11:23-29). This apostle also had an unidentified malady which he referred to as a “thorn in the flesh” (12:7a). He pleaded with God three times for its removal, and this was God’s response: “My grace is sufficient fo ...
