Matthew 20:18,19
‘Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, and they will hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and flog and crucify, and on the third day He will be raised up.”’
This is why Jesus came to earth. He would be the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Jesus had hinted at this now and then. They would put it out of their minds or just couldn’t believe it would happen. Surely, they thought that God wouldn’t allow this to occur. Jesus began telling them this directly in chapter 17. That’s when Peter pulled Him aside and tell Him that it wouldn’t end that way. Jesus said to him, “Get behind me Satan”.
What is it about us that chooses not to believe God? It reminds me of our human defenses that put things out of our minds. It’s too overwhelming to process them, so we distract ourselves or choose to ignore it. While I understand this, to ignore God’s truth is the plan of the devil.
I have a masters degree in psychology. One of the concepts I learned was our human defenses. I saw this as positive. I believe God put this in us as a way to cope with over whelming news. While I still believe this, I can see how it can be abused. Like everything God created can be twisted.
We don’t like bad news. We fight against it. Yet, some times it’s God’s will. I quoted Peter falling into this trap. Years later Peter wrote a book in the bible in which he cautions us against this, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.”, (I Peter 4:12,13).
Peter tells us to rejoice, even when things don’t go the way we had hoped. We don’t have to defend ourselves against bad news. We are to rest in Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose”. We take what comes and obey God.
Today’s verses rocked the world of Jesus’ disciples. It wouldn’t be long before it would be realized. They would be as sheep without a shepherd. However, He would rise on the third day and they would learn the blessed truth. He was supposed to be crucified for the sins of the world. Now we all have access to God. The horrible news was actually the Good News.
The apostles wanted to close their ears and shout, “La la la la”. We all do from time to time. We don’t like what we hear. However, as we mature in Christ, we learn not to fear news. We get up, spend our devotional time with the Lord, pray for the day and go out and love others and share His Word. Many in the world are selfish and will cause us grief. Bring them to God in prayer, love them and do what we can.
Thank You, Lord, for Jesus and the great price He paid. Thank You that we can walk with You knowing You work all things for good. Thank You that You’ve got us in the palm of Your hand.