Preparing for the worst...

As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were greatly distressed. (Matthew 17:22-23 ESV) This is the second time Jesus unfolds some details about His coming "departure". His words are quite distressing at this time because as they are "gathering", they are getting ready for this journey to Jerusalem, which Jesus had told them earlier would result in His death. As they are packing their bags, the uncertainty, and in a sense certainty, weighs heavily upon them. "How will this come down? What will happen to us? What is Jesus not telling us?" Yet, they pack and prepare. Why? They have learned that Jesus knows what He is doing, and they can trust in Him to see them through. May we learn the same lessons today as we follow Him.