A STEP BEHIND
Now they were on the road› going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And m they followed they were afraid” (Mark 19:32).
Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, where He would be condemned as a criminal to die on a cross. Prophets died in Jerusalem (see Luke 13:33). Three times Jesus had met alone with His disciples to share details about His suffering and death (see Mark 8:31; 9:30, 31: 10:32—34), but they failed to understand. They could only imagine the Messiah as a victorious warrior.
What message is Jesus repeating to you that you refuse to understand?
Jesus knew what He would face, and He was not afraid. He wailed the 22 miles from Jericho to Jerusalem, which had a difference in altitude of about 3,000 feet, with His head high, a firm gaze, and a straight back. He was walking a step ahead of the disciples, contrary to His usual custom, meditating on what was going to happen Him. This unusual behavior worried the disciples. ‘In His heart was the peace of perfect oneness with the Father’s will, and with eager steps He pressed on toward the place of sacrifice. But a sense of mystery, of doubt and fear, fell upon the disciples. The Saviour ‘went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid.’“—The Desire of Ages, ch. 60, p. 547.
The difference between the confidence of Jesus and the fear of the disciples was the comprehension of the mission. If we understood our mission, our fears would be left behind. We would face every danger with tenacity. But like the disciples, we walk a step behind Jesus, fearful, with more questions than answers, and with unnecessary anxiety.
They arrived at Jerusalem on a Friday, seven days before the fulfillment of the prophecy of Jesus’s death, but the disciples were still arguing about who deserved to be the greatest among them. During that long day, Jesus explained to them about the reward of faithfulness and about the suffering that was ahead of them. He taught them more about leadership: being a leader is about having a servant’s heart. It means carrying the burden of those who are weaker and teaching by example and not by doctrine. The principles of His kingdom were love and service. He had set an example for them, ‘He had quieted their fears, delivered them from danger, relieved their sufferings, comforted their grief, and with patience and tenderness had taught them, till their hearts seemed linked with His, and in the ardor of their love they longed to be nearest to Him in His kingdom.”—The Desire of Ages, ch. 60, p. 548.
Ask God to give you the heart of a servant in order to understand your mission.
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Angelica Cuate & Esteban Cortes