The Road Devotional | Lent 2024

Then he said to his disciples, “The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. People will tell you, ‘There he is!’ or ‘Here he is!’ Do not go running off after them. For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other. But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.

Jesus continues his long conversation about what is to come. While Jesus’ earlier answer to the Pharisees was about what they were missing out on in the present moment, here Jesus is talking about something that is yet to come. Jesus knows that he and his disciples time together was coming to an end. And Jesus is trying to help them come to terms with what was about to happen.

Q. Have you ever encountered a season where you felt like you were far away from Jesus?

The disciples were far from perfect, and there were plenty of examples when the disciples demonstrated they did not have the full grasp of Jesus’ teachings. So he understands how vulnerable they would be, especially surrounding the context of how Jesus was going to die, to false claims. The truth is, when bad things happen in our lives, we can often be vulnerable to those who are speaking into our lives as well.

Q. Who in your life do you want around when things go bad? Who do you trust to lead you down the right path, even in your darkest nights?

While the disciples believe that Jesus will begin his reign upon entering Jerusalem, Jesus here reminds them that first, he must suffer and be rejected by the people who liver there.

Q. When have you felt rejected by people? How did you respond? How difficult is it to believe that God accepts us when people don’t?

God, teach me to wait with hopeful anticipation, to have patience as I wait for your timing. Help me cling to you in the midst of chaos and constant strife. Help ground me in hope in a world that is filled with sarcasm and doubt. And as I encounter storms may my faith keep me firmly planted in Your loving embrace.

Amen.