Bonhoeffer: Suffering and Discipleship
Mark 8:31-38 states that Jesus predicts his death, and challenges his disciples to take up their cross and follow him. They, of course, find this line of thinking to be offensive and ridiculous. They criticize Jesus for his statement.
And he rebuked them, comparing them to Satan himself: Get behind me! (How many things in our life need to be treated the same: either help me follow Jesus, or get out of my way.)
So, you can follow Jesus, or you can get the heck out of the way!
But what does this mean: to take up your cross and follow Jesus? For Bonhoeffer, it means suffering.
There is a "must" in this suffering. According to Bonhoeffer, "A disciple is a disciple only as he shares his Lord's suffering and rejection, and crucifixion." There is no discipleship without following in the path of Jesus' suffering for the truth.
Yet, there is also an "if." IF anyone take up there cross. Does this mean that Jesus is aware that few, or possible none, would respond to this challenge? Once again, obedience takes center stage for the disciple.
For me, this chapter has been the most touching so far. I found myself drawn in to his wording and description with little intellectual difficulty. This may be attributed to my understanding of the book of Revelation and the place of martyrdom in that vision.
Several quotes seems to grab my attention here. (With my comments in parentheses)
So, in my own thoughts, when I hear someone ask about the reason for suffering, I am reminded that we suffer 1) to identify with Christ, 2) as a test of faith, 3) as a shaping of the will, which must be melted with fire, 4) because the world doesn't like losing, and it is a bad sport, 5) as an opportunity for self-discipline in the name of Jesus, which is the heart of being a disciple. Romans 5 captures the essence for me.
Romans 5:1-5
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
So, how is your Christian walk today, based on your suffering for the cause of Christ?
And he rebuked them, comparing them to Satan himself: Get behind me! (How many things in our life need to be treated the same: either help me follow Jesus, or get out of my way.)
So, you can follow Jesus, or you can get the heck out of the way!
But what does this mean: to take up your cross and follow Jesus? For Bonhoeffer, it means suffering.
There is a "must" in this suffering. According to Bonhoeffer, "A disciple is a disciple only as he shares his Lord's suffering and rejection, and crucifixion." There is no discipleship without following in the path of Jesus' suffering for the truth.
Yet, there is also an "if." IF anyone take up there cross. Does this mean that Jesus is aware that few, or possible none, would respond to this challenge? Once again, obedience takes center stage for the disciple.
For me, this chapter has been the most touching so far. I found myself drawn in to his wording and description with little intellectual difficulty. This may be attributed to my understanding of the book of Revelation and the place of martyrdom in that vision.
Several quotes seems to grab my attention here. (With my comments in parentheses)
Only when we become oblivious to self are we ready to bear the cross. (Is anyone able, then to meet that standard and bear the cross?)
If we cease to notice the pain of our own cross, we are indeed looking at Christ. (Amen, and Amen! The lens of thanksgiving, praise, identification with Christ, and dependence on his promises will lessen suffering and help us realize his glory.)
Suffering is the fruit of an exclusive allegiance to Jesus Christ. (The competition is fierce, and the world with its desires will not let go of the flesh without struggle. Praise be to Jesus that Satan is already defeated, and we are called to allegiance to the Victor!)
The Cross is rejection and shame, and thus sharing in Christ's suffering to the fullest. Suffering is the true badge of discipleship, and yet a joy and token of Christ's grace in our lives.
So, in my own thoughts, when I hear someone ask about the reason for suffering, I am reminded that we suffer 1) to identify with Christ, 2) as a test of faith, 3) as a shaping of the will, which must be melted with fire, 4) because the world doesn't like losing, and it is a bad sport, 5) as an opportunity for self-discipline in the name of Jesus, which is the heart of being a disciple. Romans 5 captures the essence for me.
Romans 5:1-5
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
6 Comments:
It is hard to quantify Faith by suffering without somehow doiing hope injustice. But I am sure you suffer much more than I!
yet, through Christ, I remain hopeful!
I am not sure I know what real suffering is. I have given up some things in life--career options in particular--but I have always felt extremely blessed. It is a privilege to serve a God who can turn our sacrifices into blessings, and our pain in joy.
"Only when we become oblivious to self are we ready to bear the cross. (Is anyone able, then to meet that standard and bear the cross?)If we cease to notice the pain of our own cross, we are indeed looking at Christ."
I think that sometimes my suffering becomes so obvious to me when I begin to meditate on my own bellybutton.
I would also add a 6th reason rof sufering unless you say it is included with '1)to identify with Christ'--6)to build a commn experience with others--which then might fall into and as a part of '2)a test of faith'.
Perhaps your #6 is implied in Romans 5 by Paul's use of the plural pronoun "we." There is a collective nature in Paul's thinking, and the commonality of suffering for Jesus could produce a stronger bond between believers, especially if the suffering is shared.
Yes and but,
I am referring to the function of faith and the common experience we have with all including non-believers which this commonality tends to give us the opportunity to confess Christ before MEN.
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