“While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples, 44 “Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand what this meant. It was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.” Luke 9.44-45.
Jesus seemed unstoppable. He was soaring! His ministry was moving forward at such a rapid pace that had never been seen before. And yet, in this passage, Jesus reveals to his disciples, and the world, the reality of his mission. He was born to suffer and die for the sins of the world.
It’s no wonder the disciples failed to grasp what he was saying. How could you stop a man who could heal the sick, cast out demons, bring dead people back to life. He was moving forward without barriers, no obstacles, no interruptions. And yet, his mission was clear – in order to live he had to die. In order to succeed he had to fail.
Now I don’t know about you but I dislike failure. I don’t like to mess up, face embarrassment or appear to be weak. It’s pride and a part of my fallen human nature. But it’s also just normal – who likes to be made the fool? When I do make a mistake I quickly seek to rectify it.
But Jesus chose death on purpose. He chose public shame and humiliation. He, who was God elected to suffer for God so that we might find redemption. Jesus became the atoning sacrifice for all of our sins. This is what the disciples did not understand but eventually would die for this cause.
It easy for us to look back and see this statement by Jesus was a part of his revealing. His revealing to be “delivered into the hands of men,” to take on our sin and shame, to suffer and die for the sins of the world.
“O Lord God, how could we live without your gift of suffering, death and resurrection? How could we live without your love? How could we stand with your Spirit within us. It is hard enough to battle the arrows of the evil one with you — I can’t imagine not having you to guide me, save me and rescue me. Come now, Holy Spirt, fill me up. Forgive me Jesus for my waywardness and for seeking self over sanctification. Come now, Lord, let us meet together. Hold me as one. Prepare me for the task that lies ahead until you come or call. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen