Luther Seminary

A daily devotion brought to you by the alumni of Luther Seminary

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Mark 10:32-34 (NRSV)

Read Mark 10:32-34 on biblegateway.com

Verse 32They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them what was to happen to him, Verse 33saying, "See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles; Verse 34they will mock him, and spit upon him, and flog him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise again."

Devotion

Mark’s description of a moment on the way to the cross provides a vivid picture of our faith journey. Jesus is ahead, determined to take his cause to the center of power in Jerusalem, even though it means death. The disciples follow with wonder at the tenacity of their leader and fear of what it might cost. It is the same for us. Fear mixes with wonder before God. The wondrous love of God has terrifying consequences. The amazing courage of Jesus frightens us when we realize what might be required of us. When we are filled with wonder, our certainties dissolve. When our certainties are gone, fear sets in. Living before God takes courage because it is both terrifying and fascinating at the same time.

Prayer

Wondrous God, hold us with your sheltering embrace as we seek to live before you with awe and fear. Amen.

Herbert Anderson Research Professor in Practical Theology, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, Calif.

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