On the way to Jerusalem

On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus, sensing that His end is near, makes the third prediction of His suffering. This prediction provides more detailed information than the previous ones. The program of suffering that Jesus predicts are as follows: (1) Jesus will go up to Jerusalem. (2) In Jerusalem, He will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes. (3) Finally, He will be handed over to the Gentiles, insulted, and then killed. (4) However, Jesus (the Son of Man) will resurrect on the third day. Though a tragic death is prophesied, it is by no means a defeat. God’s enemy (Satan) will believe that he has won by crucifying Jesus, but Jesus will be risen victorious on the third day. Let’s recall the words of Psalm 2: “He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them” (v 4). Even in our lives, there are many things that try to take away all hope from us. However, beyond despair, there surely is hope. Let’s make the commitment to walk with God now and witness defeat be transformed into victory.

Disciples with their spiritual eyes closed

The disciples couldn’t understand the prediction of suffering at all. They believed that Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem would bring about the realization of God’s kingdom. In order for their spiritual eyes to be opened, they needed to witness the cross and the empty tomb. Disciples were transformed completely, only after they received the conviction that Jesus, who surely had died, had resurrected on the third day. A similar phenomenon began to occur among Jewish people in late 20th century. Many of the Jews started believing in Jesus as the Messiah. Such people are referred to as the Messianic Jews. Many of them are led to the conviction that Jesus is the Messiah of Israel through the prophesy of the Messiah’s suffering in Isaiah 53. Whether Jewish or Gentile, salvation comes only through the cross of Jesus. Do you feel that the meaning of the cross is blurred and unclear? If so, let’s pray for your spiritual eyes to be opened now.