When did Jesus' disciples realize that this was the end of life as they have known it for the past few years? There were many signs, but they were either too blind to see or just didn't want to believe that it was happening. Jesus told them first, that one day, there would be an end to all things, and at that time, men will see the Son of Man, coming in clouds with great power and glory.(Matt 13:36)
It will come suddenly, he told them,
"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' " - Mark 13:35-37 NIV
Watch, he told his disciples. They watched as the woman poured the alabaster jar of perfume on his head. They watched as he broke bread and told them it was his body. They watched as he offered them the cup and told them that it was his blood, which is poured out for many. They watched as he told them that they would run away from what was going to take place. They watched as he told Peter that he would deny him.
By the time they got to the garden the disciples didn't have the stamina to watch any longer. So Jesus went further into the garden by himself, where he cried out to his father. Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." - Mark 14:37-38 NIV
In the end, they were all gone. If they watched at all, it was from a distance. It was only the beginning, but the disciples thought it was the end.
No comments:
Post a Comment