In the journey of discipleship, understanding the end times becomes crucial. The apostles’ paradigm of discipleship, rooted in the New Testament, is underpinned by the main themes of Jesus’ return. Just as Jesus encountered glory in His exaltation, the mature church is destined to resemble a “Lamb who has been slain.”
The book of Revelation unfolds this revelation, starting with the beauty of Jesus as a slain Lamb and concluding with the anticipation of His marriage to His Bride. The Bride, representing the mature church, is destined to share in Jesus’ body and glory, resembling Him in every way.
Jesus’ Prototype Path
Jesus, as the prototype, lived out Israel’s story throughout His life, overcoming where Israel had failed. His suffering, unique and prophetic, was a foreshadowing of the end-time crisis predicted in the Bible. This crisis, lasting about three and a half years, mirrors the period of Jesus’ death, symbolizing a profound connection between His suffering and the church’s impending tribulation.
Prophetic Foreshadowing
Crucially, Jesus’ suffering was not a random event but a premeditated prototype of the church’s end-time tribulation. The apostles, particularly Paul, emphasized this connection, underscoring that Jesus’ suffering was not only for atonement but also a preview of the saints’ future tribulation.
Discipleship and the Cup of Suffering
The discipleship journey involves mirroring Jesus’ choices, especially His willingness to embrace suffering. Jesus’ suffering, culminating in His crucifixion, serves as a template for the church’s path. This realization challenges disciples to grasp the reality that, just as Jesus willingly faced suffering, the mature church will also face its own tribulation.
The Gethsemane Moment for the Church
Paul, as an apostolic model, was shown a cup of suffering when called by the Lord. Similarly, the church is headed for a collective Gethsemane moment when the Father sets the cup of great tribulation before it. The church’s response, like Jesus’, will be crucial, requiring a willingness to say, “Not my will, but Your will be done.”
The Paradox of God’s Leadership
This moment of drinking the cup, choosing God’s evaluation over personal desires, becomes a pivotal aspect of discipleship. It signifies a willingness to be handed over to the powers that oppose God, trusting that God’s plan involves using suffering to bring about exaltation and glory.
Understanding God’s Wisdom in Suffering
The paradox of God’s leadership involves allowing evil but using it to fulfill His purposes. Understanding this mystery is crucial for discipleship, as God may lead His people into great tribulation for a purpose beyond human comprehension.
The Matthew 26 Moment for the Church
Discipleship, therefore, is not only about celebrating the cross but also acknowledging the potential for being handed over to suffering. The example set by Joseph, Job, and Habakkuk illustrates that God may design situations that challenge human understanding for the ultimate benefit of His plan.
Embracing Israel’s Story
The impending Matthew 26 moment for the church involves a collective decision to drink the cup willingly. This choice signifies a deep longing for Jesus’ return, understanding that passionate songs and a genuine desire for His presence may set in motion the events leading to His coming.
Conclusion: A Call to Rise
In conclusion, discipleship in the end times is a call to embrace the cup of suffering willingly. The church, as the Bride, must mirror the prototype, Jesus, in both His suffering and His victory. Understanding God’s premeditated plan for suffering, willingly embracing the cup, and identifying with Israel’s story are key aspects of discipleship as the world hurtles towards the fulfillment of God’s end-time plan.
May the church rise to the occasion, ready to drink the cup and bring about the return of the One her soul dearly loves. As we stand on the precipice of a Matthew 26 moment, let our collective cry be, “Father, we will drink the cup. Do what You will, we want Jesus back.”