Luke: 18:31-43 The Beginning of the End

Luke: 18:31-43 The Beginning of the End

Then he took the Twelve aside and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem and everything written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles and he will be mocked and insulted and spat upon; and after they have scourged him they will kill him, but on the third day he will rise." But they understood nothing of this; the word remained hidden from them and they failed to comprehend what he said. Now as he approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." He shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, 8 have pity on me!" The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me!" Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" He replied, "Lord, please let me see." Jesus told him, "Have sight; your faith has saved you." He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.

Jesus foretells his passion, death and resurrection. His followers cannot grasp it. A mood of introspection and sadness seems to grip Jesus as he journeys on. He is preoccupied by his future and yet he is still asked to meet the needs of those around him. His disciples need him, people who look to him for cures need him. Even in his distress he must carry out his mission, preach, cure and prepare his followers. He does so and his actions and words bring glory to God. His role is never an easy one but his understanding of its importance, his obedience to God’s will, and his trust in the God’s ultimate plan sustains him. Obedience and Trust. Why do I find those two requirements so difficult?