Understanding the Gospel: Why Does Jesus Leave His Followers in Suffering?
It is a common misconception that Trinitarians abandon Jesus or believe that He abandons His followers during times of suffering. Contrary to such beliefs, the Bible offers profound insights into Jesus' nature and His unwavering dedication to His followers. Let's explore these misconceptions and clarify the realities.
Why Trinitarians Never Leave Jesus
Trinitarians believe in the nature of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This trinitarian belief underpins the belief that Jesus never leaves His followers in times of distress. In fact, Jesus' relationship with His followers is deeply personal and compassionate, as suggested by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Hebrews:
Our High Priest Jesus knows what it is to be one of us and has gone through most everything we have. He is with us in our suffering uniting it with His own for the salvation of the world.
James 1:2-3
The Bible also emphasizes the value of facing trials and challenges as a path to spiritual growth. James 1:2-3 advises believers to count trials as joyful opportunities:
Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into divers trials, for [knowing] that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Paul and His Conversion
Regarding the belief that Paul was left to Satan, this is another misinterpretation. Scripture reveals that Paul was an Apostle specifically called by Jesus Himself to teach the Gentiles. His conversion is one of the most profound transformations in the New Testament:
Acts 9:1-6
1And Saul yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord went unto the high priest. 2And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues that if he found any of this way whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven. 4And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” 5And he said, “Who art thou, Lord?” And the Lord said, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 6It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” And he trembling and astonished said, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”
Paul's Transformation and Grace
Paul’s conversion is a powerful example of God's grace and mercy. Contrary to the belief that Paul was left to Satan, the Bible shows how he was transformed and became a champion of the gospel:
I Timothy 1:1–2 12-16
1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope. 2Unto Timothy my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord… 12And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry. 13Who was before a blasphemer and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am chief. 16Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
Jesus' Unconditional Support and Presence
Jesus is a constant presence, as He promises in Matthew 28:20 and Hebrews 13:5. Let’s break these passages down:
Matthew 28:20
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.
Isaiah’s Prophecy
Finally, Isaiah’s prophecy in Isaiah 53:1-5 further illustrates Jesus' suffering and support:
1Who hath believed our report and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? 2For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness, and when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him. 3He is despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him, he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4Surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5But he was wounded for our transgressions he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed.
Through Isaiah’s prophecy and the support of Trinitarian beliefs, we see a picture of Jesus’ unwavering commitment to His followers and His understanding of their suffering. These passages reassure us that Jesus is always with us, guiding and supporting us through trials and challenges.
Key Takeaways: Trinitarian beliefs emphasize the continued presence of Jesus in the lives of His followers. Jesus suffers with His followers to gain a deeper understanding of their struggles and to offer support. Paul's conversion demonstrates God's grace and mercy in transforming even the most bitter enemies into passionate followers.