“They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. 33 “We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, 34 who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.” Mark 10.32-34
A good leader informs his followers. Think of a general informing his officers and the troops in an offensive in battle against the enemy. Clear communication is the key. Yet it’s the general and his council who make the decisions for the battle, not the troops or officers.
Jesus is that good leader. He is communicating to his disciples the next steps which include entry into Jerusalem, being delivered into the hands of the religious leaders, and condemned to death. They will “mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.” This, says Jesus, the battle plan.
Even though Jesus communicated this to his followers, they were still very confused when it all happened. Many of them ran, some freaked out and started cutting off ears of the enemy, while some betrayed and denied him. Yet in the end, the generals (Jesus’) plan remained steadfast. The offensive came off just as he said.
The will of the Father was that Jesus would suffer and rise again for the sins of the world. Could there have been another way going forth that would have spared the life of Jesus? Could we have forgiveness without a cost? Without the shedding of blood? God so loved the world that he sacrificed Jesus so we might have life, and all who believe in him will have abundant life today and eternal life to come.
I guess God could have chosen the easy way for Jesus but then he would have been betraying himself, forcing non-willing humans to love him, and erasing free will. The only path forward towards the enemy of sin and Satan was to send the General/Jesus into the battle head on.
This is the cross that Jesus bore — to die for the sins of the world and to be raised to new life. He did this so we might have that life and this is the good news of the gospel. It’s not complicated although it is complex. The reception of this gift is what matters for humanity. It matters for us. Have we believed, trusted, confessed, and accepted Jesus’ sacrifice for ourselves? Are we now filled with the Holy Spirit, willing to go forth into the world to spread the Gospel?
Let us be willing to follow our General not only into battle but into victory as well. To receive his grace and forgiveness and to be welcomed into everlasting life when we die.
“O Lord God, your love is compelling. Your path is not without pain but the daily sacrifice of following you brings hope, life, and peace. Come now, Holy Spirit, make us one with you. Fill us with your Spirit, strengthen us with your love. Make me an instrument of your grace that I might help others find the path to joy on earth and eternity in heaven. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen”