The Fear of Asking...

But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, 44 “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying. (Luke 9)
Jesus did a lot of teaching by questioning His followers: "Who do you say that I am?"  This was easy. At least half of the thought was in the question. But it can be far harder to be the one asking the questions. We can come up with the "Why?" questions quite easily, as if we deserve an explanation for everything beyond our comprehension.  But there many things we are afraid to ask, or even times we are afraid to ask "Why?" this was a time when asking "Why?" was indeed appropriate. Why was Jesus about to be delivered, when He was so good at eluding His enemies when they tried to get them? And Why would they want to take Him captive? And maybe, most importantly, why was He telling them? What were they to do with this information - both then, and when, or if, it actually happened.  Sometimes we live as if ignorance really is bliss, especially when it comes to our spiritual understanding.  May we not be afraid to ask God questions today. May we be like Jesus in His youth, asking and discussing the things God thinks are important for us to know, and asking how He wants us to appropriate that knowledge for then the right time arises. Don't be afraid to ask!