Lenten Devotionals from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. "We are going up to Jerusalem," he said, "and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles,” –Mark 10:32-33

We are on our way to Jerusalem in our Lenten Journey. I love this picture of Jesus – He’s leading the way, He’s striding out. This isn’t a walk in the park, people. This is a man striding out to meet His future and that future isn’t pretty. In fact the disciples are confused and astonished and the others following are afraid.

Jesus has just been debating with the Pharisees over divorce. He’s had to rebuke the disciples for not allowing the children to come close. He has spent some time blessing the children. The encounter with the rich man has just occurred and this is what has astonished the disciples and why the crowd is afraid. Here is a man who has kept the law since his youth and Jesus says it’s not enough. “You must give up everything and follow me. “ And where will we end up if we follow Him? At the cross. He knows where He’s going.

And in the midst of this you have Peter wondering if he’s given up enough and James and John wanting to be the most important. And Jesus, single-mindedly striding out, no one really understands like He does, but He’s leading the way. It’s uncharted territory for all of them, but Jesus is leading the way.

Father, we want to be on the WAY with Your Son. Forgive us for our fear and uncertainty. Forgive us for trying to out-perform each other. We want to allow Your Spirit to have full reign to lead us. Amen