As we get closer to Good Friday, Jesus is continuing to prepare for His great sacrifice. This preparation, however, is not just for Him. It is also for His followers.

Several times as Jesus heads toward Jerusalem and after He arrives He tells His disciples about what is coming. They have trouble letting it sink in.

No! It Can’t Be!
It’s not unlike when a person is in the final days of their life as they battle a disease. Their doctor explains what’s happening and often, the dying person is able to accept the news while family members struggle with it. Children, especially, may continue to hope that something will get better and want additional treatments. It may take several conversations and some time for them to accept what is coming.

With the disciples, even up to the Last Supper they struggled to accept it, especially Peter. When Jesus said, He would be arrested and they would fall away, Peter exclaimed he wouldn’t leave His side even if he had to die. When they came to arrest Jesus, Peter drew his sword and cut someone’s ear off. Yet, Jesus’ death happened and, for Peter’s sake, it had to.

Yes, It Had to Be.
And, so we continue to prepare as well. It can be hard for us to accept the amazing sacrifice of Jesus. Yet, it’s what needed to be done for our sake as well. 

Heavenly Father,

Prepare my heart for this Holy Week. Help me to be repentant and grateful. Hold me fast in the faith You have given me.

Amen.