Victorious King or Suffering Savior

In preparing for this week’s Bible study, I have been powerfully struck by the explanation by the disciples on the road to Emmaus as to why they were so downcast over the events of the crucifixion. They summed it up thus:

“But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel…” (Luke 24:21)

The irony of this comment to Jesus, the very One Who had just suffered, died, and risen again in order to redeem Israel and the rest of the world is amazing. Their problem was that they did not yet understand the reason for the Messiah’s coming and what He had to accomplish. They were looking for a conquering, victorious king, not a suffering savior. What an answer Jesus gave them:

“O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! “Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?” (vs. 25-26)

I am afraid we are often tempted to make the same mistake. We may begin to think our nation can be “redeemed” through electing moral leaders, legislation, and political activism. In the midst of these activities we must remember that it is only through the Savior Who suffered, bore the wrath for our sin on the cross, and rose again, that individuals, or nations can be redeemed.

A good reminder as we finish up the 2009 regular session on Easter weekend.