Remember, Luke is writing his gospel after Jesus’ death and resurrection, writing after Jesus has ascended into heaven, writing at a time when Christians were waiting for his second coming. Having presented Mary as a model of obedience in Luke 1:1–80 and Luke 2:1–52, we are right to understand that what was true for her will also be true for us. That is to say, the life of the believer will not be without trouble and pain.
I do not think that any of us will come to see our children rejected by society and executed on a cross. For some of us that may be true, especially if we live in parts of the world where Muslims are in the majority. But even without such suffering, there are others costs that will come our way if we are serious about following Jesus. There will be times where we will be sidelined and dismissed when we try to hold onto what the Lord teaches us in his Word.
Along with the persecution that will come to Christians, there is also the reality of life in this world. To put it differently, there is no promise from God that he will make all of your problems in this life go away when you become a Christian. Trouble and pain will be part and parcel of the Christian life, not glory now, but glory later when Christ returns. Do not be surprised then when life as a believer is difficult and tough. Do not be surprised when your prayers for healing are sometimes left unanswered, or when you continue to struggle with the same everyday challenges as your non-Christian neighbour. Hardships are not due to a lack of faith on your part. Suffering comes before glory. Such was the way of Christ our Saviour: death before resurrection. Such is the pattern for those who follow him. Do not waver in your commitment to him when you discover this to be the case. Trust him to know what is best for you. Trust him to make all things right when he comes again in glory.
To conclude: Jesus is the long-awaited Christ who brings salvation. He is the Servant who was prophesied by Isaiah. He is the King who came to suffer and die so that sinners can be forgiven and look forward to eternal life in God’s presence. Living after his death and resurrection, we can be confident that he will return as he promised, and we must know that that will also be the time when he comes in glory. Do not let your desire for comfort and peace keep you from following the king. Be ready for hardships, safe in the knowledge that King Jesus knows what is best for you and is working all things for your good.
21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.