The Light Shines in the DarknessSample

Understanding and believing afterwards

“When therefore He was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that He had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.” (John 2:22)

Jesus told his disciples about his coming, suffering, death and resurrection. The way he described destroying and rebuilding the temple was pretty poetic and not immediately clear. But later on, Jesus spoke plainly about what would happen to Him. He did this to adjust his disciples’ expectations. They were hoping that Jesus would become a triumphant king and that He would expel the Roman oppressor. But God’s plan was different. Jesus explained this by words and deeds, but his disciples could not yet fully grasp it. They would understand  later.

Jesus told all this before it happened, so that the disciples remembered his words when He was crucified and raised from the dead. Or rather, the Holy Spirit would bring to their remembrance all that He had said to them (John 14:26). That would help them to believe that everything happening to Jesus was part of God’s amazing plan to save the world.

We have the privilege to know the story about Jesus’ suffering and death. With these events in mind, we understand many Bible verses much better and can see how God’s plan develops throughout history. Nevertheless, we too need the guidance of the Holy Spirit to really understand Jesus’ sayings and let them transform us. Do you pray for his help?