A PERVERSE GENERATION

As the four of them came down from the mountain, they were surrounded by a large crowd, a desperate father, a boy having noisy and frightening seizures, and nine worried and defeated disciples, who had been able to heal before (Luke 9:6), but not this time. Jesus’ response was very human, both loving and exasperated. It reminds me of a school teacher with boisterous students who haven’t listened, but also echoes Moses’ words as the Exodus came to a halt outside the Promised Land (Deut. 32:5,6).

Then the scene changed from worried mayhem to amazement and a father’s joy. Jesus turned to the disciples and once again, with yet more emphasis, told them that he would be handed over to men (in other versions, sinners or Gentiles). It was as if he were saying, “Let these words go right down into your ears.” They didn’t understand and they were afraid to ask, but they would go through a dark and anguished time before once more they would finally see the risen and victorious Savior.

I find these scenes deeply reassuring. Jesus chose his 12 disciples and he taught and trained them with patience and longsuffering love. He knew Judas would betray him, and he knew Peter would deny him. Many times the gospels record their puzzlement and lack of understanding, whether it was the meaning of a parable (Mark 4:13) or Jesus telling them that he would be killed. Only after his ascension did they begin to understand fully who he was and how he had fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. Seeing his glory and his power to heal, how could they guess where the route to Jerusalem would lead? They had no idea what he was talking about (45). It was hidden from them.

In your life, how has a time of spiritual vitality been followed by a challenge to serve?