“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 9.43-45
The verse preceding v.43-45 says, “Everyone was amazed at the greatness of God.” While people were “marveling at all that Jesus did,” he figured now that he got their attention, he would give them a dire prediction about his demise — “The son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.”
Why would Jesus chose this time to tell them a second time about his death? Why, as they were celebrating, praising, in awe of God’s glory would Jesus have to spoil it and say, “Friends, I am going to die. I will be handed over against my will to people who will put me to death,”? Why not just keep the party going? Keep up the good vibes! Allow the happiness and joy to flow.
But this of course isn’t realistic or helpful. The dire prediction was necessary so that we might find true joy, meaning and significance. Jesus had us marveling at his miracles but he did so in order for us to hone in on the whole of this message — the Messiah must suffer and die for the sins of the world in order to save the world. What we are seeing glimpsed through his miracles is only a foretaste of what is to come when the resurrected Christ returns.
Luke tells us that after Jesus spoke these words the people “did not understand what this meant. It was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it, and were afraid to ask him about it.”
How interesting that Jesus spoke this dire prediction but that what he spoke was also “hidden” from them. Then what’s the point? Why proclaim it if you’re not going to explain it? Perhaps it was for us, for future generations, and even for the disciples who would come back and later understand what Jesus had said and done.
Aren’t we grateful that God came to earth in the person of Jesus? Aren’t we glad that he suffered and died and would rise again so we might have life? Without the Lord this life would have no meaning. Thanks be to God who conquered sin and the grave to give us life for eternity. The dire prediction turned into a promise of destiny for all who believe.
Do you believe? Will you receive Jesus today as your Lord and Savior? Will you put your whole trust in his love and allow him to capture you by his grace?
On this Memorial Day when we remember the millions who gave up their lives for us and fought for the freedom of our nation, let’s not forget the sacrifice of the One who gave up his life so we might know God and know peace in heaven.
“O Lord God, thank you for loving me. Thank you for your power and grace. I am a sinner, saved by grace! I am far from perfect but moving towards a greater likeness of your son. Come now, Holy Spirit. Move in me and be glorified in your sight. I praise you and magnify your holy name. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen