Thursday

“Then he took the twelve aside and said to them, ‘See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished.’”—Luke 18:31

We’ve all met those people (we may be those people) who need to test things out for themselves—even when they’ve been informed in no uncertain terms that the stove is hot, the step is broken or the door is locked.  This passage makes it clear that Jesus’ disciples are those types (our types?) of people, too.  He could not have spoken more clearly about what would happen.  News of Jesus’ resurrection must have occasioned both overwhelming joy and a profound head-slap.  They were told; they heard; and yet they did not understand.

Luke tells us that what Jesus told the disciples was “hidden from them.”  I’ve always had a little trouble with this phrase—if anyone has ideas, let me know—but my best guess is that it was simply too much for them to absorb.  After all, this was what needed to happen, however awful, and painful, and seemingly disastrous until the sun rose on that triumphant third day.  How could they face it all if they knew?  And could they ever summon the strength to let it happen?  He needed to walk this road, and so did they.  All would become clear—once they had experienced it for themselves. -- LG

Lord, help me to hear your word and obey, but thank you for your patience with me when I fail to understand.  Bring me ever closer to your perfect understanding.  Amen.