(Mark 10:32-34 ESV)
Jesus has just finished explaining to the Disciples about how difficult it was to enter the kingdom of heaven. They were continuing on their way to Jerusalem. He led the way.
Those who followed were both amazed and afraid.
Jesus was turning their world upside down.
Then he pulled his special 12 aside and explained how they were on their way to Jerusalem. How he were be turned over to the chief of priests and the scribes, and how he will be condemned to death and then turned over to the Gentiles. He warned them up the mockery he would need to endure, the punishment he would be given and his death. Then he told them how after three days he would rise from the dead.
We know that the disciples didn't really understand this from later readings of scripture. How it must of shaken them to the bone though. To hear Jesus tell them of his impending death. They loved this man, the son of God Jesus Christ. They followed him, spent time with him, were amazed by him and at times afraid.
And now he was going to die.
Sometimes I wish I could be there with the disciples you know. Spend that time with Jesus. BUT I wouldn't want to love him and then actually SEE him die. I know that he died for me, but I've been spared the agony of actually having to SEE him die, to watch him get flogged and mocked and be ill-treated. That would have broken my heart (just as it would if my family who I love dearly would be treated in such a manner).
This next coming days would have been so hard for the disciples, the pain of it makes me want to hold them close and tell them that through their fear and wonder that it will be okay. That they'll understand it all by and by.
Because we truly will you know. By and by we will understand it all. We'll understand God's deep abiding love for us. We'll understand Jesus' devotion to us and how the pain and agony were real, but not as great as his love to us and his obedience to God.
All we can do is strive to follow his example. To have a love and obedience so much a part of us that we obey God and strive to be like him in all ways.