In what ways does Ecclesiastes 4:3 connect with the teachings of Jesus on suffering? The Cry of Ecclesiastes 4:3 “Better than both is he who has not yet existed, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun.” • Solomon stares at systemic oppression (4:1–2) and concludes that non-existence seems preferable to experiencing such cruelty. • The statement is not hyperbole; it is a sober observation about life in a fallen, sin-scarred world. • Scripture’s literal record of this despair invites us to wrestle honestly with suffering rather than gloss over it. Jesus Faces the Same Broken World • “In the world you will have tribulation.” (John 16:33) • “The poor you will always have with you.” (Matthew 26:11) • He weeps over Jerusalem’s hardness (Luke 19:41) and groans at Lazarus’s tomb (John 11:33–35). ‑ Jesus does not minimize pain; He acknowledges it head-on. Direct Echo: “Better Not to Have Been Born” • “The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” (Matthew 26:24) ‑ Jesus uses Solomon’s very language when speaking of Judas’s tragic fate. ‑ The echo confirms Scripture’s unity: Old-Testament anguish meets New-Testament warning about the cost of sin. Jesus Names and Grieves Oppression • Mission statement: “He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the captives… to set free the oppressed.” (Luke 4:18) • Beatitudes: “Blessed are those who mourn… those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.” (Matthew 5:4, 10–12) • Compassion in action: He heals the sick, welcomes children, honors the marginalized (Matthew 9:35–36; Mark 10:14; John 4:7–29). ‑ Where Solomon laments, Jesus steps in as Deliverer. From Despair to Hope: What Jesus Adds • He shares our suffering (Hebrews 2:14) and bears it on the cross (Isaiah 53:4–5). • Resurrection declares that evil does not get the last word (1 Corinthians 15:54–57). • Promise: “Take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) • Future vision: “He will wipe away every tear… there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” (Revelation 21:4) Living It Out Today • Acknowledge the weight: it is biblically honest to lament oppression as Solomon did. • Look to Christ: the same Scriptures that record despair also reveal the Savior who redeems it. • Join His mission: comfort the afflicted, confront injustice, preach the gospel—the antidote to Ecclesiastes-level hopelessness. • Hold fast to eternal hope: temporary sufferings “are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18) |
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