Matthew 17:22-23
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
As you read Matthew 17:22-23, keep in mind that this is the second time Jesus has clearly told his disciples about his suffering, execution, and resurrection.
Some concepts are harder to grasp than others – especially when they contradict our long-held beliefs and assumptions. The disciples have a preconceived idea about what the emancipator of Israel will do and accomplish, and death does not fit with their expectations. But Jesus’ message is beginning to sink in.
Get quiet for a minute and focus on the presence of Jesus with you now. Breathe in while you invite Jesus into your awareness and breathe out with a simple prayer to express your dependence on him. You might say something like: “Come Lord Jesus. Have mercy on me.” Continue with this breath prayer until you feel still and centered.
Now recall Jesus’ words below from Matthew 10:39 and chew them over in your mind for a while:
“If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.”
Read Matthew 17:22-23 again noticing what the disciples have either not heard or do not understand.
Death is not the end for Jesus, but the sadness of the disciples belies their inability to grasp what Jesus means about being “raised from the dead.” They have no framework for resurrection and no idea how Jesus’ death could be of benefit to them or the world.
But it is the eventual death of Jesus that will open the way for all people and the world to be reconciled to God and restored to God’s purpose. Because Jesus, who was completely without sin and rebellion, allowed evil to empty itself out on him, evil was emptied of its power to enslave humanity. And because Jesus, being innocent of rebellion, died and then took his life back again, those who trust him can rest in the knowledge that death is not the end for them.
For the final moments of this meditation, think about the ways you have been affected by death. It might be the death of someone you loved, or the death of a dream or plan.
Bring these memories to Jesus one by one and imagine him saying, “Death is not the end” over each one.
What do you sense Jesus saying to you or asking you to do through this time of meditation?
What will you do about that?
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