PREPARED FOR THE CROSS!

Sunday, April 7, 2019

PREPARED FOR THE CROSS!

Luke 18:31-33

31 Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.

32 For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:

33 And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.

           What was Jesus doing three weeks before Easter? He was preparing his people for what was about to happen to Him and them. The word “behold” is in the imperative and urges them to pay attention. Jesus clearly told them where they were going and what would happen. He even told them that he would rise again on the third day.

Luke 18:34

34 And [but] they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.

           The word “understood” is suniemi which means “to comprehend mentally” but it also has the idea of an understand that alters behavior. I think much of my preaching is clear enough but is not understood in a way that alters behavior.

           So, what are you doing three weeks before Easter? Are you fully aware of what Jesus has done for you? Do you comprehend Calvary sufficiently to alter your behavior?

Dear Lord, open my understanding and help me to both the horror of the cross and the glory of the empty tomb. Let that understanding alter my behavior. AMEN