They Did Not Understand!
The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about. Luke 18:34 (NIV)
For a few moments, put yourself back with Jesus as He told His disciples that He would be leaving them. I’m sure they must have had thoughts like: ‘Where in the world are You going?’ ‘Why can’t we come with You?’ How long will You be gone?’ This was just too much for them to conceptualize. It was truly beyond their grasp. However, He said it and meant it.
In the 18th chapter of Luke, Jesus spent a great deal of time teaching by parables. They must have wondered if this information (the 3rd time He predicted His own death) was just another story that they could not comprehend.
Could He have been clearer with them? Would they have gotten the message any better if He had told them, “They will praise Me when I enter Jerusalem but on Thursday night, I will be betrayed by one of you, arrested, and nailed to a cross on Friday. I am going to die but don’t worry; I am not going to be dead as you know death. I’ll be dead for only three days and then I am coming out of the grave! You will see Me again soon after.” Just imagine the looks on their faces with that version of His story.
There are so many times that we don’t understand what the Holy Spirit is trying to teach us or ask us to do. It seems so unbelievable and somewhat unattainable. We ignore. We grapple with all the ‘what-ifs.’ We run it by a friend. We just can’t quite believe what we think we’re hearing.
Like the disciples who lived through what Jesus had told them, I am sure that at least one of them said, “So that is what He was talking about.” There is some good fodder in here to chew on. Knowing what He can do, our only option is to step out and trust Him. Even when our knees wobble, our hands are cold and sweaty, and we stand alone—we trust and obey.
Almighty God, thank You for directing each step we take even when it seems illogical to us. You have a plan for each of us. Help us to be compliant without question. AMEN.