Our Scripture reading today is Luke 9:21-22.
Verse 22 - "Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day."
Most likely this revelation did not sit well with everyone who heard it. Possibly there was someone listening who thought Jesus Christ would overthrow the Roman government and be their king. This does not sound like a victorious king. The suffering, rejection, and crucifixion point to weakness and defeat. We must not overlook the last phrase, "...and be raised the third day."
The death of the Lord Jesus was necessary for fallen man to be redeemed. We cannot buy our way into God's favour. 1 Peter 1:18-19, "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:" Jesus Christ died in our place. The innocent Son of God died in place of guilty sinners like you and me. He did, however, leave them with a message of victory: "...and be raised the third day." The Lamb of God lives today that we might live eternally in Heaven! Praise Him!!