The Suffering/Glory Story

In I Peter 1:11 we read the following, “searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.” I bolded the second half of this verse because it is the only verse in the Bible that combines Christ’s two comings in a singular stream of consciousness. His first coming entailed his human birth, ministry and crucifixion for men’s sins. His second coming will take place at the end of the age of grace when he will come as the King of Kings and rule and reign over the earth.

The Apostle Peter wrote this letter to the various churches in Asia Minor suffering religious persecution. The preceding verses speak of the eternal inheritance these believers have waiting for them in heaven. Verse 11 deals specifically with Jesus Christ’s life and purpose from beginning to end. In just one short phrase, Christ’s sufferings are tied together with His future glory that will be revealed at His second coming.

In thinking of this verse and all that it signifies about our Lord, I decided to list His sufferings and then contrast each trial/tribulation with His future glory that will take place at His second coming. The majority of this list is taken from a commentary I heard a few months ago. I hope it is a blessing.

Suffering – Glory

Wrapped in swaddling clothes – Clothed in majestic purple

Nowhere to lay His head – Heir to all things

Wicked men took up stones to throw at Him – Wicked men will cry out for the stones to fall on them to hide them from Him

Clothed with scarlet robe in mockery – Clothed with the vesture dipped in the blood of His enemies

Wicked soldiers bowed their knee and mocked Him – Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess He is Lord

His hands were pierced with nails – His hands will carry a sharp sickle

He delivered up His spirit – He is alive forever more

Wearied traveler – Untiring God

Rejected by tiny Israel – Accepted by all nations

Lowly Savior acquainted with grief, man of many sorrows – Mighty God anointed with the oil of gladness

Smitten with a reed – Will rule nations with a rod of iron

Wore the crown of thorns – He shall wear the crown of gold

His feet were pierced with nails – He is the fairest of ten thousand

He was laid in the tomb – He shall sit upon the throne