Surprise

January 30

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 20:17 – 34 

Verse of the Day: Matthew 20:18 – 19 – “Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests and scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him unto the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify: and the third day he shall be raised up.”

Today, Jesus tells His disciples for the third time (16:21; 17:9. 22, 23) about His anticipated arrest and death. This is the first time that He reveals to them the method by which He would die – crucifixion.

They should not have been taken by surprise at His death, burial, and resurrection. He spelt it out plainly. Yet, they are as human as we are. God in His Word has told us of His power and might, yet we are so surprised when He answers our prayers. Before we are too hard on the disciples, consider this – we have the rest of the story and still are taken by surprise at His promises.

Prayer: Jesus, I am sorry that I so often pray and then are surprised that You answer. I need to have my faith strengthened to believe You.