3,4 Apr -- Telling the Future

The readings for Tues 3 and Wed 4 April are -- Gen 45:1-46:27; Ps 16:1-6; Prov 3:17-18; Mt 16:21-17:13.

Jesus has not yet begun his journey from Galilee to Jerusalem, but already he is preparing his disciples. He lays out the future very plainly. He will go to Jerusalem, suffer at the hands of the Jewish leaders, be killed then rise again (Mt 16:21). Though seemingly clear, the disciples didn't really grasp what Jesus was saying. Peter's reaction illustrates this (16:22). It's a message Jesus will need to repeat a number of times.

But Jesus was not just preparing them for what would happen to him. He was also getting them to consider what would happen to them if they continued to follow him. Each would need to be prepared to deny himself, take up his cross and even lose his life (16:24,25). Jesus doesn't leave it there though. He points to rewards for those who are willing to follow (16:27). The rewards are eternal ones, received when Jesus comes again.

Jesus' next words are problematic. "There are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom." (16:28). Is Jesus still talking about his second coming? Presumably not because they all died before that. And we're still awaiting that event. Some think that Jesus was referring to his transfiguration in front of Peter, James and John. In support of that idea, that's what Matthew (and Mark and Luke) go on to record next. But Jesus was probably referring to his resurrection.

As we approach Good Friday, we have the blessing of knowing that Easter Sunday (Resurrection Sunday) follows. Jesus rose from the dead just as he said. Now we await the fulfilment of the last part of what Jesus foretold -- his second coming. As Brian so vividly reminded us on Sunday night, this is our sure and certain hope. I know it will happen, not because I can tell the future, but because Jesus did.