Introduction:
Amidst the marvel of His miracles, Jesus takes a moment to foretell His impending suffering and death. This prophecy is met with confusion and fear among His disciples.
Scripture:
But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.’ But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.
Main Points:
The Reality of Sacrifice:
Jesus’ prediction of His betrayal and death is a sobering reminder of the cost of our redemption. His path to glory includes suffering, a concept difficult for the disciples to grasp. This foretelling highlights the necessity of the cross in God’s redemptive plan. It was not an accident but a divine appointment.
Understanding God’s Plan:
The disciples’ inability to understand Jesus’ words reflects our own struggles to comprehend God’s plans, especially when they involve pain or sacrifice. Faith requires trusting God’s purpose even when we do not fully understand it. Often, God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours, and understanding them requires spiritual insight and maturity.
Fear and Faith:
The disciples were afraid to ask Jesus about His prophecy. Their fear can mirror our own when we are faced with difficult truths. Yet, Jesus invites us to bring our fears and questions to Him. In moments of confusion and fear, we must lean into faith, trusting that God’s plans, though mysterious, are ultimately for our good and His glory.
“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”
Encircle - Baptist Church 