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SUFFERING WITH JESUS

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 3, 1861

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 19, No. 1.

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SUFFERING WITH JESUS.

By A. S. H.

We have an account in the twentieth chapter of Matthew of an anxious mother who came to the Saviour with her two sons, desiring of him that they might sit, the one on his right hand, and the other on his left in his kingdom.
Jesus, evidently with a design to remind them that this great favor could be conferred upon none only those willing to suffer with him, or for his sake, asks the following question: "Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I shall be baptized with? They say unto him, We are able."
In the clearest possible language they are then informed that they shall drink of his cup and be baptized with his baptism; and that the privilege of sitting on his right hand and on his left, shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of his Father.
Some who believe the saints are all to suffer martyrdom, contend that we cannot drink of the cup and be baptized with the baptism of Christ, unless we follow him, even to death.
If, then, this be true, it necessarily follows that these disciples, James and John were both martyred. If proof is wanting here (as it most certainly is), to sustain this view, why should it be thought so inconsistent for one to speak of following Christ whithersoever he goeth, and of drinking of the cup of suffering with him, &c., and still believe the "mystery" shown us by an apostle, "We shall not all sleep?" 1 Cor. xv, 51.
Inspiration records the death of one of these faithful servants of God by the sword of Herod. Acts xii, 2. We also learn from Rev. i, 9, that John was banished to Patmos, "for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ." From this exile, historians agree he returned and died at an advanced age. Still the Saviour's prediction is fulfilled in them, "Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with." A. S. H.