Tragedy, Hope, and Confidence

Psalm 34:18 ESV

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Matthew 5:4 ESV

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Psalm 34:18

I’m glad that we don’t have to suffer alone. Jesus has suffered with us. “You may soon forget those with whom you have laughed, but you will never forget those with whom you have wept.” The Old Testament provides us with a record of suffering. It is this history that Jesus entered and suffered along side of everyone else. Beyond that suffering, we see Jesus seated at the right hand of glory and we know we may follow him there.

records a truly tragic scene as Herod, fearing for his own worldly comfort and position, ordered all the baby boys under two to be murdered. This tragic event was the fulfillment of a passage in according to Matthew. It is difficult if not impossible for us to understand tragedies. It is also difficult for us to understand how is fulfilled in . But perhaps if we understand how is fulfilled in a bit better, then we can be better equipped to understand and deal with tragedy.

Michael P. Green, ed., Illustrations for Biblical Preaching: Over 1500 Sermon Illustrations Arranged by Topic and Indexed Exhaustively, Revised edition of: The expositor’s illustration file. (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1989).

How is fulfilled in the slaughter of the innocents?

shows us how the people had suffered but would were promised a new day of blessings.

The key word is recapitulation—since Christ is united to his people, he redid their history so as to redeem it and make it perfect. This results in foreshadowing of what Christ would do by the works of Israel in the Old Testament. This is how typological interpretation works.

Matthew’s use of was meant to remind the readers of how they would suffer because of sin and be blessed because of God.

An Exposition of the New Testament, Volumes I–III Chapter 2

That this prophecy belongs not to the Babylonish captivity, but the times of the Messiah, appears from the whole context; which manifestly speaks of the miraculous conception of Christ, of the blessings of his kingdom to be enjoyed by his people, and of the new covenant to be made with them, as I have shewn in another place

Choose life in the face of tragedy. How?

What do we need to remember when we face tragedy?

Choose your focus.

There will be tragedy.

There will always be God’s promises.

Remember Jesus

Hebrews 12:2 CSB

keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18 ESV

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18–19 ESV

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

Galatians 6:14 ESV

But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Colossians 1:24 ESV

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church,

1 Peter 1:6–7 ESV

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:

1 Peter 4:12–13 ESV

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

James 1:2 NKJV

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

How can we rejoice in trials? Only in Christ. Are you in Christ?

Illustrations for Biblical Preaching Peace

Eric Barker was a missionary from Great Britain who had spent over fifty years in Portugal preaching the gospel, often under adverse conditions. During World War II, the situation became so critical that he took the advice to send his wife and eight children to England for safety. His sister and her three children were also evacuated on the same ship. Barker remained behind to conclude some mission matters. The Sunday after Barker’s loved ones had left, he stood before the congregation and said, “I’ve just received word that all my family have arrived safely home.” He then proceeded with the service as usual. Later, the full meaning of his words became known to his people. He had been handed a wire just before the meeting, informing him that a submarine had torpedoed the ship, and everyone on board had drowned. Barker knew that all on board were believers, and the knowledge that his family was enjoying the bliss of heaven enabled him to live above his circumstances in spite of his overwhelming grief.