Three Times

Scientific studies show that it takes the average person 2-7 times to hear the same message before they remember it. As we approach Palm Sunday and look through the scriptures, Jesus explained to the disciples three times what was going to happen in the week ahead. 

"From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life," (Matthew 16:21 NIV).

The number three often symbolizes completeness when used in the Bible. Three Persons make up the Godhead: Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Prayer was to be lifted at least three times daily. Jesus said He would be in the grave for three days and three nights.

"When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life." And the disciples were filled with grief," (Matthew 17:22-23 NIV).

Though the disciples still didn't understand fully what Jesus was saying to them, His words crushed their hearts when He said He would be killed.

"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).

Lord God, as we ready ourselves for Holy Week, speak to us of the words Your Son used to prepare the disciples for the events that are ahead. We, too, must walk through the darkest days before we get to the light of our Risen Lord. Walk with us, Lord, and give us strength for the journey. We pray in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.