The Great Tribulation

 
June 24, 2010

In a former document Paul’s reference was to the tribulation of the soul when it is convicted of sin.

 

However, in this document we are going to be dealing with where Jesus prophesied: “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”  Matthew 24-21

To many in our day entwine these two doctrines and create a mess. I have to confess that I am one that did.   Beware of doctrines when the teacher read a Scripture then talks unrelenting without quoting another scripture.

Jesus put to rest the idea that He was speaking of the end time.   He said; “Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” Matthew 24:34

I believe the tribulation that Jesus spoke of was the trauma that awaited Him and His disciples, that they should face during the next several hours.

Matthew continued by saying; “And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples, Ye know that after two days is the feast of the Passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.” Matthew 26:1-2 

Luke weighed in with, “And Jesus came out, and went, as he was wont, to the Mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.  And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:39-42

That gut-wrenching trauma started soon after Jesus and His disciples ate “The Last Supper.”

Luke continued; Jesus “...being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.  ” Luke 22:39-44   

Next, Jesus warned His disciples of the stressful hours that lie ahead.   Mark said, “And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scatted As we all are fully aware fear and terror overcame Peter and he gave in to it. When the Jews took Jesus into custody, His disciples all forsook Him and fled as the Scripture had predicted. Mark 14:50

I suppose that Jesus was distressed beyond measure, for just before He gave up the Ghost,  “…He cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? Which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Mark 15:34

Yea, I believe that The Father forsook Him because that Jesus had taken our sins upon Himself.   Paul told it like this; “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

Habakkuk explained why God forsook His beloved Son.   He said; “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity.”  Habakkuk 1:13-a

Jesus’ disciples were still under great stress on the day of His resurrection.   John wrote, “Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.” John 20:19 

I suspect that their trauma ended when Jesus showed Himself to them.

Amen!