Delayed Understanding from Jesus (Lent Series Week 3)

Written by: Chris Greer
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Read Matthew 26:17-24

Have you ever received a message from Jesus – through Scripture, prayer, a sermon, or another believer – that you did not understand until later? I have. In uncertain moments, most of us would gladly trade God’s mysterious words for something easier, simpler, or clearer. But in hindsight, we often gain understanding and see purpose in God’s message.

Use your imagination for a moment. Imagine being a close friend, disciple and follower of Jesus, this man who forever changed your life. He spoke in parables and performed miracles that a regular person could not always understand, but each word and every action rang with truth. He made your life and the lives of others better, more whole, and more purposeful. On the night today’s passage talks about, his words did not resound with hope and healing. He spoke of a traitor’s work, sacrifice by death, his broken body and spilled blood. This was not the kind of talk that should commemorate Passover. Or was it?

It was very difficult for the disciples to hear Jesus’ prediction of betrayal among them, his closest friends. Scripture tells us they were “greatly distressed” (Mark 14:19) by Jesus’ words. It must have been even more distressing to hear the Son of Man say, “The Son of Man must die.” Was he suicidal? Or did he really know much, much more than the disciples thought possible? It would have been painful to be in that room that night. It would have been scary.

Truth be told, I don’t know why God reveals information in the way he does.

I don’t always get why he tells us things we don’t understand, challenges us to go places we aren’t familiar with, or care for people we’re afraid of.

What I do know is this – from Scripture and from my life – everything works out according to his plan. It’s undeniable in Scripture that God cares for us and he is in control. I know it doesn’t always feel that way. But the difference between us being in control and God being in control is often just that; a matter of feelings.

We know, however, that feelings are unreliable. Feelings fade. But the upper room confusion made all the sense in the world once the disciples gathered around the risen Christ. Our trusting that God is in control means the same for us. We may not understand what he says now, but we can trust that later we will be thankful for what he does.

Reflection

Take a few moments to remember back to a time when you did not understand a message God had given you. In the clarity of hindsight, what have you learned?

You might be right in the middle of a difficult season similar to the disciples’ upper room confusion. You may have no idea what, why, or if God is doing something good in your life. It can be painful. Take a moment now to willfully trust God. Trusting God is not simply a feeling, particularly in times like these.  We must choose it. Trust him, and feel the relief – even if it’s only a little at first – your trust in a faithful God affords.

Check out the first post in our Lenten devotional here.

This was an excerpt from Easter is Coming, a Devotional Journey with Jesus. For all six weeks of Lent devotionals, please download the e-book here.


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