Christian Reflection and Prayer

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).

 

Read Luke 18:31-34

 

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 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.

 

Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries