The Disciples Didn’t Understand
Pray
Begin with prayer, opening your heart to God’s Word and Spirit.
Read Luke 18:31-34
Jesus Predicts His Death a Third Time
31 Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. 32 He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him; 33 they will flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.”
34 The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.
Reflect
Jesus and his disciples were now approaching a critical point on their way to Jerusalem. Jesus knew what was ahead of him and spoke to them about the Son of Man and what was to come. His foretelling left Jesus’ followers confused. It was the third time he had spoken like this to them. They simply could not grasp what he was saying to them. And so the journey continued with Jesus undeterred by their lack of understanding. He continued with confidence knowing that death would not be the end of the journey, it would be the beginning for all creation.
Closing prayer
Lord, help us in times of trial. Use those times when we don’t clearly see a way ahead to build our faith and trust in you. Amen.