Now it makes sense!

I have often wondered why the disciples didn't fully grasp that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah.

It seems unreal that after spending 3 years with Jesus, listening to his profound wisdom and witnessing miracles, they still could not believe that he is the One. He even quoted Isaiah 61 in the synagogue (see Luke 4:18-19), "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

So why didn't they get it? Why didn't they believe him? Is it because they expected someone different? Did they miss the obvious signs? Did they doubt?

I recently stumbled upon an excerpt in Mark's Gospel which offers an explanation that makes total sense to me.

Jesus taught: "The Son of Man will be handed over to men who will kill him. Three days later, however, he will rise to life. But they did not understand what this teaching meant, and they were afraid to ask him." Mark 9:31-32

They were afraid to ask him!

I remember all of those times in class, I didn't get it and yet, I was afraid to ask for a variety of reasons...with embarrassment high on the list.

Fear paralyzes. Fear stunts growth. Fear ______. You fill in the blank.

Jesus instructed us to:

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7

This moment of grace that surfaced during my reflection encourages me to follow my instincts and ask when I don't understand, it may just change everything!