Awe gripped the people as they saw this majestic display of God’s power [when Jesus cast an evil spirit out of a boy].
While everyone was marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, “Listen to me and remember what I say. The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies.” But they didn’t know what he meant. Its significance was hidden from them, so they couldn’t understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.
Key Thought
At this moment of glory in Jesus’ ministry — he had just been transfigured and affirmed by the Father, had shown his healing power, and was being praised by those around him — Jesus reminded his disciples that treachery and betrayal lay ahead. While they could not understand it at that point, they would remember it. Failure, even horrible and colossal failure, on the part of those we hold dear is always a possibility. We are flawed human beings who often fail each other. We must not let the failure, even the total failure, of those whom we admire destroy our faith. Jesus warned his disciples that his betrayal and death lay ahead, and even though they could not yet understand it, they would remember and not be destroyed in their faith. We must not be destroyed by such things, either.
Today’s Prayer
Father, the failure of those that I love and trust hurts so badly. Please don’t let their failure keep me from the joy you have given me in Christian fellowship and the hope I have in you. Please, dear Father, help me not to be a failure and a disappointment to others. Also, please help me remember that many of Jesus’ greatest servants failed at one time or another and that you redeemed and powerfully used them to reach others with your power and grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Luke 22:31-32John 21:15-212 Corinthians 2:5-8Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.