Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.”

Mark 9:30-31

Well I don’t know about you but I can so sympathize with the disciples. How many times do things happen in my life that I just don’t understand, yet I know full well that it is God’s will! I am sorry to say that I have doubted God at times too, I have been upset that His plan is not more like my plan for me. God, however, loves us through our concerns and fears and He tenderly speaks to us through His Holy Spirit with love and compassion. He guides us gently along His path never leaving us or forsaking us for one minute. What a faithful Lord God we have! That He would love such an undeserving people as we are by sending His own beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to this world to shed His blood on the cross for the redemption of our souls. How could we ever praise and thank Him enough for His steadfast love for us!

We often seek to attract large crowds to our churches, crusades, and rallies. Jesus also ministered to large crowds. However, the Lord’s most passionate teaching on discipleship occurs away from the crowds when he is alone with his disciples. What the crowds can accept is not enough to call people to mature discipleship — to that next level in their walk with the Savior. But Jesus withdrew for intensive teaching with a small group of committed disciples to mature and prepare them for future challenges, even as great as his Passion.

Holy God, please bless the people in our Bible study group and everywhere seeking to follow you no matter the cost. Please lead us to a small group of believers with whom we can share our lives and through whom you will challenge us to grow in our surrender to the Lordship of Christ so we can follow him in the way of the Cross. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Is there anything more important than finding and living in the way of the cross?