Wednesday Devo
Scripture:
Luke 18:31-34
31 Taking the twelve disciples aside, Jesus said, “Listen, we’re going up to Jerusalem, where all the predictions of the prophets concerning the Son of Man will come true. 32 He will be handed over to the Romans, and he will be mocked, treated shamefully, and spit upon. 33 They will flog him with a whip and kill him, but on the third day he will rise again.”
34 But they didn’t understand any of this. The significance of his words was hidden from them, and they failed to grasp what he was talking about.
31 Taking the twelve disciples aside, Jesus said, “Listen, we’re going up to Jerusalem, where all the predictions of the prophets concerning the Son of Man will come true. 32 He will be handed over to the Romans, and he will be mocked, treated shamefully, and spit upon. 33 They will flog him with a whip and kill him, but on the third day he will rise again.”
34 But they didn’t understand any of this. The significance of his words was hidden from them, and they failed to grasp what he was talking about.
Commentary:
18:31–34 Jesus Foretells His Death a Third Time. Having predicted his suffering and death twice before (9:22, 43b–45), Jesus again reminds his followers that the way to Jerusalem will be the way to the cross.
18:31 we are going up to Jerusalem. cf. Luke 9:51–53; 13:33; 19:28. will be accomplished. The cross is to be seen as the fulfillment of prophecy, not a horrible accident.
18:32 Jesus will be delivered over to the Gentiles. Just as Israel was handed over to Gentiles for punishment of their sin in the OT, so Jesus was handed over to bear God’s wrath for the sins of his people. Cf. Luke 20:20; 23:2; Acts 2:23; 13:28.
18:34 But they (the Twelve) understood none of these things. Although they understood the meaning of Jesus’ words, they could not understand why Jesus was predicting this or how it could possibly fit into God’s plans for the Messiah. The fact that the Messiah must first suffer and die was still hidden from them.
18:31 we are going up to Jerusalem. cf. Luke 9:51–53; 13:33; 19:28. will be accomplished. The cross is to be seen as the fulfillment of prophecy, not a horrible accident.
18:32 Jesus will be delivered over to the Gentiles. Just as Israel was handed over to Gentiles for punishment of their sin in the OT, so Jesus was handed over to bear God’s wrath for the sins of his people. Cf. Luke 20:20; 23:2; Acts 2:23; 13:28.
18:34 But they (the Twelve) understood none of these things. Although they understood the meaning of Jesus’ words, they could not understand why Jesus was predicting this or how it could possibly fit into God’s plans for the Messiah. The fact that the Messiah must first suffer and die was still hidden from them.
Questions:
- After we realize the foolishness of our own efforts we must recognize the WISDOM of the CROSS. In verse 31, when Jesus foretells of His own death, His disciples don't grasp what He's talking about. This was probably because Jesus having to suffer and die didn't fit their theology of what the Messiah would be. They were looking for a coronation, not a crucifixion. Their false expectations kept them from seeing what God was doing right in front of them. Could this be true in your life? Could it be that God might be working in and through situations in your life, but in a way you might not be expecting? Ask Him to open your eyes to the ways in which He is moving!
- But Jesus knew He had to die in order to forgive the sins of many. Think about this for a minute... God didn't HAVE to save anyone. And in that case, Jesus wouldn't have to die. But he WANTED to save us because He loves us and wanted to have a relationship with us. And if that were going to happen, Jesus would have to die as a sacrifice. Do you remember when your eyes were first opened to the wisdom of the cross? What was it like to realize that you were forgiven for all that Jesus did for you?
Pray:
- That you would be quick to recognize how God is moving in your life.
- That you would always remember what Jesus did for you.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
3. Why did Jesus have to die on the cross? Since “all have sinned” and the “wages of sin is death,” Jesus had to die on the cross to pay the fine for my sin so I could be right with God.
(Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:21-23, 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:1-6; Colossians 1:13-14, 21-22)
(Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:21-23, 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:1-6; Colossians 1:13-14, 21-22)
No Comments