Delivered into the hands of men.

Mark 9:30-32, They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.

It was easy for the disciples to see the prophecy regarding a glorious king fulfilled in Christ after seeing his power and many miracles, and three of them even had a glimpse of his true glory on the mountain. It was harder to accept the prophecy that he was despised of men, and that he would be a suffering servant, the Son of Man “delivered into the hands of men.” Even though he encourages them to listen carefully (Luke says “Let theses words sink into your ears...”) they do not understand (Luke: “It was concealed from them...”). They had heard the parables explained to them, yet they were afraid to ask him about the meaning of this! How easy it is for us to be carried away in our own ideas about him, for in the next verses they are arguing about their position in his kingdom! Are we willing to ask him to reveal all that he has for us, even if it includes being the “least among you?”

Give us ears to hear as you reveal all that you have for us, and to be willing to walk as your humble servant.

ESV Lectionary