The Cross

 

⁴³ And they were all amazed at the greatness of God.

Jesus Predicts His Death a Second Time

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.

Despite the healings and the joy they brought, the element of suffering and death continue to underscore the mission of Jesus.  He again predicts his death and will do so one more time.  We know from our own daily experience that our days are not always cookies and ice cream; we cannot be true disciples without some pain, sometimes physical, others, a spiritual pain, an inner soul-suffering, depression or disappointment. Jesus warned his flock (and us) and in answering his call to serve him today (or any day) we must know that suffering will be part of our life as it was for his. The Cross is as much a part of our lives as  is the empty tomb.

Bro. Rene