“And all were astounded at the greatness of God……. The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands.”
Luke 9:43-45
Like the disciples in Luke’s passage , it’s always so much easier to focus on what is pleasant, what sounds “nice” rather than the morbid or sad stuff. Here, we are told of the disciples’ awe of Jesus, his Greatness as Messiah, yet when he tells of his impending betrayal and Passion , they don’t understand. How can their superstar, their Saviour be delivered into the hands of men to die? They were even afraid to ask…
This is the paradox of the Christian journey. Where there is awe, majesty, splendor and grace there is also suffering, which some of us may not want to dwell on. Yet, there is hope for us even in our suffering!
Lord, when I am discouraged and tempted to give up, to throw in the towel during immense trials, remind me of your Passion. Even amidst great suffering you did not give up and you defeated evil from the inside. Help me to exchange my weakness, pain and sorrow for your resurrection power inside of me. Amen.