Three Times

"Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!" (Matthew 20:17-19 NIV).

Walking up a trail in Sedona, Arizona

"How many times do you need to be told something?" I fear I may have said those words to my boys when they were growing up. Probably about picking up their farm equipment or some other toy.

Jesus knew frustration. Yet, He also knew His Father's plan. Three times in Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus explained to the disciples in clear language what was going to happen when they got to Jerusalem.

"They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. "We are going up to Jerusalem," he said, "and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise."" (Mark 10:32-34 NIV).

In Mark we get a hint that the disciples knew it wasn't a good idea to go into Jerusalem. It was dangerous for Jesus. They were afraid. It is a wonder a few of them didn't leave the group right here. But, Jesus spells it all out for them. Their fears were confirmed. Yes, it is going to be bad, really bad.

"Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again." The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about." (Luke 18:31-34 NIV).

Jesus' time had come. His whole life had been leading to this week of events and Jesus was ready. He told his disciples what to expect. Jesus said in John 12:27-28, "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!"

Heavenly Father, be with us, and in us as we walk through this Holy Week. We know the story. We will weep and then rejoice. Help us see Your plan in each day and know that it is for us that You took that walk into Jerusalem. Thank you, King Jesus. Thank you. Thank you! Amen.

Three times the Twelve were told.
Three times the mystery remained.