They Didn’t Understand

(Matt.20:17-19 + Mark 10:32-34 + Luke 18:31-34) RLB 9/20/23

That day was cold and the sun was bright,
as Jesus led the way.
Following Jesus, we walked in awe,
But we all were a bit afraid.
Afraid because we were heading to Jerusalem,
Not knowing what we’d meet there.
You see our last visit, they tried to stone Him,
We’d better be alert and beware!

At a rest stop Jesus pulled us twelve aside,
And spoke in a serious tone.
“Listen,” He said. “We are going to Jerusalem
Where everything written will be known.”
“The Son of Man will be betrayed and arrested.
Then He will be sentenced to die.
Turned over to Romans to be mocked and beaten;
then whipped and crucified.”

“Are you still listening? For on the third day
He will rise again from the dead.”
We must have stopped listening, for we didn’t
Understand all of what He said.
We only heard Him say words about betrayal,
Romans and His death!
For after He said that, it took us all we had,
Just to catch our breath.

It is amazing how the most significant thing
This world has ever known,
Can be hidden from our understanding,
Even though it’s been clearly shown.
Let us not be distracted, but focus clearly on
What God put in our hand.
Do not be like the Apostles on that day,
They Didn’t Understand.