Luke 18:31-34
As Jesus’ suffering was approached, He spoke privately to the twelve regarding what was about to
happen. “For He will be handed over to the Gentiles, and will be mocked and mistreated and spit upon,
and after they have scourged Him, they will kill Him; and the third day He will rise again.” (33) Jesus
tried to prepare those He loved to be equipped for the coming darkness and to see it was only
temporary (hope of resurrection). Yet they did not get the message. Though Jesus’ ministry had
troubling spots, they watched Him consistently avoid any serious consequences as He persisted in
miracles and teaching. What Jesus just said was not consistent with what they had seen. At times we
may miss God’s message because we are blinded by what we have, or are, seeing. Consequently, we
miss both His warning and the hope essential to face what is ahead. May God give us grace to be in
His word so we are not overtaken with emotion as we face various trials.