In this chapter we see Jesus once again referring to His upcoming death burial and resurrection and the extreme sadness it caused the Disciples. We could see 3 reasons for this sudden interruption in the narrative and story for Jesus to say this:
1) The distraction of the events thus far of what was already most of Jesus' earthly ministry would make the Disciples complacent in thinking this would go on for many more years.
2) The main goal and focus was on His sacrifice for the sins of man to be accomplished on Calvary. Only at that point could men be able to enter heaven immediately upon death; whereas before they would have to be in Sheol (in the pleasant side).
3). In His departure; they would be the ones to continue to carry out the ministry through leadership after the Spirit came down at Pentecost and changed them. They would have to be stripped of all their confidence and all die a martyrs death exept for John. None of them would be ready when Jesus was arrested as they all ran away along with Peter. Only the Lord would get them through that.
In all honesty it is hard here just as it is contemplating what He said in Gethsemane as to the weakness of their flesh and their falling asleep due again to sorrow. God assures us that every tear is known ( Psalm 56:8). No doubt in eternity there will be reward for suffering in faith; we have consolation in what the world can't have. We have to believe that even in our own martryrdom if it comes to that or natural death is to glorify Christ and there are rewards for martyrs ( James 1:12). Paul also was given a reaction of great sorrow when he announced his imprisonment ( Acts 21:10-14). It would appear his death came at a much later date but Paul always focused on ministry and looked forward to being with the Lord; no wonder after the brutality he had to endure on and off for years in various imprisonments beforehand. He knew when his departure was near ( 2 Tim. 4) and Peter as well ( 2 Peter 1:12
1) The distraction of the events thus far of what was already most of Jesus' earthly ministry would make the Disciples complacent in thinking this would go on for many more years.
2) The main goal and focus was on His sacrifice for the sins of man to be accomplished on Calvary. Only at that point could men be able to enter heaven immediately upon death; whereas before they would have to be in Sheol (in the pleasant side).
3). In His departure; they would be the ones to continue to carry out the ministry through leadership after the Spirit came down at Pentecost and changed them. They would have to be stripped of all their confidence and all die a martyrs death exept for John. None of them would be ready when Jesus was arrested as they all ran away along with Peter. Only the Lord would get them through that.
In all honesty it is hard here just as it is contemplating what He said in Gethsemane as to the weakness of their flesh and their falling asleep due again to sorrow. God assures us that every tear is known ( Psalm 56:8). No doubt in eternity there will be reward for suffering in faith; we have consolation in what the world can't have. We have to believe that even in our own martryrdom if it comes to that or natural death is to glorify Christ and there are rewards for martyrs ( James 1:12). Paul also was given a reaction of great sorrow when he announced his imprisonment ( Acts 21:10-14). It would appear his death came at a much later date but Paul always focused on ministry and looked forward to being with the Lord; no wonder after the brutality he had to endure on and off for years in various imprisonments beforehand. He knew when his departure was near ( 2 Tim. 4) and Peter as well ( 2 Peter 1:12
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