Considering how well Jesus has captured their attention, we might feel compelled to start asking questions like, “how do I become a follower” and “what must I do?”. As we reach the end of this passage, we learn that there is a cost to discipleship. We learn that not only does He suffer, but we do too. This is what we must expect if we are to truly understand what it means if we are to commit our lives in order to be his disciples....
In the second part of this passage, we learn about the importance of trusting in Jesus’ plans over our own plans. When Jesus asked his disciples and others what they think of him, he already know what they were thinking. He was very familiar with the popular beliefs at the time that a Messiah would come. And while this is true, Jesus clearly knows that it didn’t occur to the disciples that the “Messiah” they refer to must suffer as the Messiah....
I wonder if you have ever found yourself in a situation where you didn’t recognise someone. Imagine you find yourself in an awkward situation where bump into someone you went to school with. As they call you out, you look at them as if you have never met them or seen them before. You can’t help but feel a little embarrassed or even ashamed that you don’t remember them yet they remember you....