October 25

Concerning this salvation, the prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully, trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. — 1 Pet 1:10-12 BSB

Both heaven and earth are deeply interested in the redeeming work of Christ. Some people are so focused on studying worldly matters that they don’t take time to study the spiritual kingdom of God. Yet nothing in this world deserves more thought and attention than Christ’s work of redemption.

The angels’ interest in Christ’s suffering as the Redeemer is a beautiful thing. A painting by Domenichino depicts an angel beside the empty cross after Jesus’ body has been laid in the tomb. The angel touches the crown of thorns with wonder, trying to understand the meaning of suffering but unable to comprehend it.

The artist’s message is that the sufferings of Christ are a great mystery, even to the angels. Scripture echoes this when it says, “Even angels long to look into these things.” Surely, if angels find the work of redemption so mysterious and worthy of study, it’s worth our deepest thought as well.