Jesus Speaks of His Death and Resurrection

(Mark 9:30-32)

Jesus had shown on many occasions that he did not want his disciples to be uninformed. In the world today one of the things used by people as power is the withholding of information. But this was not Jesus’ way then and it is not his way now.

In this section of scripture we see Jesus begin to speak to his disciples about his coming death at the hands of the Jews and his subsequent resurrection. At no time did he withhold information from the disciples that they needed to know. He wanted them to understand all things and he kept nothing from them.

Jesus showed this desire to ensure the disciples understood all things, for it was not only his desire but the desire of the Father also. He shows this saying, “He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:14-15) Paul also showed this when speaking to the church at Ephesus saying, “I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance to God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:20-21)

So it is the will of God that his people are forewarned and forearmed in all matters pertaining to the truth of the Gospel so that they are not left in the dark. It is commonly understood that one of the greatest causes of fear among man is caused by lack of knowledge. But when knowledge comes, fear is taken away. That is part of the reason why the Lord wants us to be fully informed, and that is why he was teaching his disciples about what was to happen to him in due course.

Had the Jews just dragged Jesus off without him having pre-warned the disciples, they would have been in utter fear and confusion. Doubtless they suffered these things to some extent anyway. But when they came to themselves and considered the matter, they knew this was to happen for the Lord had spent much time telling them about it. Thus they could move forward without questioning why it happened and suffering grief and remorse.

Naturally when Jesus was risen from the dead they were greatly comforted. And because he had told them these things and they came to pass, they were further encouraged knowing that nothing was hidden from God and that the Lord had revealed to them in advance what was going on, and more importantly why these things were to happen.

So too we should take encouragement from the knowledge that Jesus is still showing us all we need to know. It is by the Holy Spirit that knowledge is revealed to us today as we study, pray and seek the Lord. And his guidance and leadership helps us to know the paths to take when we listen and follow his direction. We have no need to fear regardless of what may come against us for the Lord has said he is with us and will protect us. It is his desire to show us his kingdom when we learn about him and come to him seeking his knowledge and his ways.

(Picture sourced from ChristiansUnite.com: https://clipart.christiansunite.com)