READING: Matthew 17
“. . . and he will be raised on the third day.”
Matthew 17:23
Jesus simply told them the truth, but the words must have been agonizing: “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day” (Matt. 17:22-23). Apparently, someone would turn Jesus in, and they would kill Him. He would be raised three days later, but His disciples seemingly did not hear that part of the story. Instead, they “were greatly distressed” (Matt. 17:23). Jesus had no question about what would happen to Him in death AND resurrection, but the disciples were nevertheless very sad.
I wonder how many times I somehow miss the good news of hope and a new day. When life is tough, I’m not sure I always first hear biblical texts of God’s sovereignty, of His love, of His care. I fear I sometimes let the immediate circumstances cloud my eyes of faith, and I lose my faith perspective. That happens not because God hasn’t already given me hope through His Word, but because I sometimes don’t listen well.
ACTION STEPS:
- Listen well to God’s Word as you attend church today.
- Don’t forget the good news if life is tough today.
PRAYER: “Lord, thank You for the third day!”
TOMORROW’S READING: John 7-9