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Presented by Julie Busteed
The disciples did not expect Jesus to suffer and die on a cross. They believed he was the Messiah sent from God, and after spending three years with him, they had come to know and trust him deeply. Yet they still did not fully understand what was ahead.
The prophets had spoken about the Messiah’s suffering, and Jesus himself told the disciples several times that he would suffer, die, and rise again. Matthew records:
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, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
Peter responded by rebuking Jesus: “Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!”
Jesus answered him sharply: “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” (Matthew 16:21-23).
What a contrast for Peter. Earlier, Jesus had blessed him for declaring Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Now Peter is being rebuked because he was focused on earthly expectations instead of God’s greater plan. Peter envisioned a kingdom established immediately—a Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule and restore Israel’s power. He likely imagined reigning alongside King Jesus. Then suddenly, Jesus spoke of suffering and death instead.
And when Jesus was crucified, the disciples were devastated. Their hopes and expectations seemed completely shattered. They had dreamed of freedom, restoration, and a visible earthly kingdom. Instead, they faced grief, confusion, and despair. It wasn’t until after the resurrection, when they saw Jesus alive again, that the pieces began to come together. Only then did they begin to understand the kingdom Jesus had been talking about all along—not merely an earthly kingdom, but an eternal one.
I know we all experience disappointment and grief in this life, and often it doesn’t seem fair. Sometimes you may even wonder if you’ve done something wrong for God to withhold the blessing you hoped and prayed for. It is normal to lament—to grieve when life does not turn out the way you expected. It is normal to cry out to God, ask him questions, and at times feel as though he is silent. But I urge you not to give up or turn away from him. Continue to bring your sorrow honestly before him and then remind yourself of who he is and what he has already done for you.
God loved you enough to send his only Son as the perfect sacrifice for your sin so you could be reconciled to him and have eternal life. This life, with all its joys and heartbreaks, is temporary. You and I have so much to be thankful for and to look forward to when we do meet the resurrected Jesus face to face.
