They Just Didn't Get It, Did They

Luke 17:11; 8:31-34
By Harold Dinsmore, M.Div.
© 2007 Harold Dinsmore

             This morning we embark on a three part series with the third part culminating on Easter Sunday morning.  Our passage this morning concerns Jesus’ final trip to Jerusalem with his disciples.  There were a lot of things happening on this final trip, however, we are going to concentrate on his prediction of his death and resurrection.

            Previous to this episode in the life of Christ he had gathered his disciples together and had rehearsed with them what was going to take place when he did finally arrive in Jerusalem.  In three passages Jesus tells his disciples that he was going to die soon.  The first passage covering this disclosure is found in Matthew 16:21-26.  Would you turn with me there please. (Read).  Peter wants to have nothing of this.  His mind is still on a worldly kingdom that was going to over throw the Roman occupation of Israel and restore the kingdom as it once was under their Father David.  How do we know this is what was on his mind?  Look at Jesus reaction to Peter’s reasoning.  Verse 23.  You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.  I want you to keep this in mind during our time together this morning.  All the way through the ministry of our Lord he is preparing his disciples for when he leaves this earthly scene and yet it seems to be slipping from their grasp each and every time until he is actually gone.