Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Read Luke 18:31-34.
TEXT: For He will be delivered over to the Gentiles
and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit
upon. And after flogging Him, they will kill Him, and
on the third day He will rise (Luke 18:32-33).

Jesus has left Galilee in the north and is on the road
to Jerusalem with His 12 disciples. The crowds are
excited by everything Jesus is doing, and the
disciples are swept up in their hopes and dreams.
Jesus tells them everything recorded in the Old
Testament prophets concerning Him will be fulfilled in
Jerusalem. They expect Jesus to announce His
glorious earthly kingdom, but Jesus paints a very
different picture.

Twice before, Jesus has announced His coming death
and resurrection. Both times He veiled the details
behind the words, "The Son of Man must suffer many
things." Now, however, He spells it out. He doesn't
disclose Judas' upcoming betrayal, but He does reveal
that the Jewish high court, the Sanhedrin, will deliver
Him into the hands of the Gentiles, namely, Pontius
Pilate, the Roman governor.

The Roman soldiers will then mock Him, treat Him
shamefully and outrageously, spit upon Him, flog Him,
and then kill Him. The details are stunning. Jesus
knows exactly what He is walking into-and He goes
willingly.

This is not at all what the disciples expect or want to
hear. But when those words are fulfilled, they will have
no doubt that Jesus foresaw it all, and went through
it all, for them and us.


THE PRAYER:

Almighty God, Your Son knew all He must suffer to
save us from our sins, and yet He took that path willingly.
Give me a thankful heart that I may joyfully follow
whatever path You choose to set before me. I pray in
Jesus' Name. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)