Read Mark 9:30-32
Here we have the second time Jesus spoke of his death in Mark’s gospel. The disciples still don’t get it. By now, they seem hesitant to ask for clarification. Has that ever happened to you? You have a question for a teacher or professor and are afraid to ask because of how you may look? I wonder what held the disciples back from asking Jesus to explain. Maybe they remembered Peter being called Satan the last time Jesus spoke like this.
What I liked about this passage is the intimacy Jesus displays. He wanted to lay low, avoid clamoring crowds, and just spend time with his disciples. I suppose that struck a chord with me because my love language is “quality time.” Jesus was desiring special time with his followers. He still desires that from us today.
Jesus had so much he wanted to teach these disciples. He sensed his time was limited and wanted to equip them the best he could. Jesus knew his followers would need a strong base to withstand what the future would bring. I’ve often wondered if there was more that Jesus didn’t tell them because he ran out of time.
Our spiritual growth is not instantaneous. It takes time for our trust to deepen. We often resist God moving in our life because we can’t get out of our own way, and we’re unsure how to navigate the new way. We tend to put too much pressure on ourselves to get our faith “right” before we take action to walk by faith.
There is one new nugget that Jesus reveals in this account of his death. Namely, that the Son of Man is going to be betrayed. Do you think the disciples wondered who would betray Jesus? Because the disciples didn’t ask questions, we can’t know for sure what they were thinking.
Focus today on the quality time portion of this lesson. Jesus seeks that very thing with us. He wants to pour into us, just like he did his twelve disciples. We have the entirety of scripture as well as the Holy Spirit’s power to tap into. If the disciples had had such wonderful resources, they might not have had such a hard time understanding.
Let’s pray. Lord, I cherish each moment I can spend with you. I know you are always with me, but I’m not always tuned in to you. Forgive me for that. Help me to do a better job at prioritizing my time so you can get more. Thank you for loving me despite my rebellious nature. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
