Christian Reflection and Prayer

Lent

Scripture:

Read Mark 9:2-10, 30-32

"The Son of Man is going to be delivered
into the hands of men, and they will kill Him."
(Mark 9:31)

Reflection:

Have you ever asked an engaged or married
couple how they first met? Often they were just
friends until one day their friendship was
transformed before their very eyes- they realized
they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together.

That helps explain what happened when Jesus
took Peter, James and John up a mountain by
themselves. In an instant His familiar appearance
was transformed before their very eyes. His divine
glory as the Son of God began shining through His
human face and body. They were seeing Jesus' full
glory as the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Afterwards Jesus ordered them to keep it to
themselves until after He rose from the dead.

Leaving the mountain behind, Jesus leads His
disciples through Galilee on His way to Jerusalem.
Along the way He makes His second prediction of
His coming suffering and death. But this time He
adds a chilling detail- He will be "delivered into the
hands of men." Someone close to Him, someone
who should stand up to defend Him will instead hand
Him over to His enemies.

If you've ever been betrayed by a close friend, a family
member- a husband or wife- then you know what bitter
pain will strike Jesus when He watches one of His own
disciples bringing soldiers into the garden where He
often meets with His disciples.

But in the midst of all the bad news, Jesus makes
another promise- after three days He will rise from
the dead.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, You were betrayed into the hands of
your enemies to save me from eternal death and
suffering in hell. Help me when I face betrayal from
those close to me. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)