The time of Jesus’ arrest, ‘trial’, and death is almost at hand. However, as becomes increasingly evident, the disciples still do not understand the horror that Jesus must face in order that we can be saved. And so for the third time, on their way up to Jerusalem, Jesus predicts his death and resurrection. The disciples are astonished and afraid. It’s hard to know what they were expecting, but it’s clear that they must have been expecting Jesus to overturn the Romans in some way. Whether or not their hearts are too hard to hear what Jesus is saying, or that they're simply in denial of what Jesus has been warning them about, the disciples have failed to understand and will be completely shocked by what they are soon to witness. As events unfold, crushed by unmet expectations, they will disown Jesus, flee from the scene, and hide.

Are we ashamed by the crucified Jesus? Do we recognise the absolute necessity that he had to die for us? Sometimes we can think that we are better than the disciples, but it’s especially in those moments that we must remember that we’re just as sinful and fragile as they were. What we ultimately need can only be made possible through Jesus and that’s precisely what Jesus has achieved. AL

Questions

Prayer

Saving God, we thank you so much for Jesus’ resolve to go to the cross and save us even at the greatest cost. Please help us to recognise the extent of what Jesus has done for us, that we may look to him with thanks and be saved. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.