“Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled.  He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him; they will flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.” The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.” (Luke 18:31-34)

     For the third time, Jesus described the sacrifice he would make on our behalf, yet it was so shocking that the disciples “did not know what he was talking about.” By this time, you would think they had it figured out.  But God, in his infinite wisdom, created a plan in which he made a sacrifice which would qualify as one that would cover the sins of the world.  This was not a concept the disciples were ready to grasp, at least not at that time.  The great amount of love that God has for his creation required a willingness to suffer for us.

     Jesus gives us a good perspective on sacrifice.  He made the ultimate sacrifice, but we, as his chosen people, are called to make sacrifices of our time and effort in order to carry on his mission.  We have a world full of people who need to know the love of God.

Prayer: Dear Lord, lead us in the direction of all who need you.  Give us the words to say, moving them to receive the gift of salvation and eternal life.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.