The Art Of Discontent
St Mark 10:32
Initially, we were confident in our understanding of Jesus Christ; it was exhilarating to relinquish everything and immerse ourselves in a bold expression of love. However, our certainty has since diminished. Jesus stands before us, appearing peculiar: “Jesus advanced, instilling a profound apprehension within a disciple, rendering the entirety of spiritual existence breathless. This peculiar entity, with His countenance "set like flint" and His resolute gait, instills fear inside me. He is no longer a Counsellor and Comrade; he has adopted a perspective with which I am unfamiliar, and I find him astonishing.
Initially, I was assured of my comprehension of him, but now I am uncertain. I am beginning to perceive a separation between Jesus Christ and myself; I can no longer maintain intimacy with Him. He leads me without looking back; I am unaware of his destination, and the objective has become inexplicably far. Jesus Christ had to comprehend every sin and pain that humanity could endure, which contributes to His seeming strangeness.
When we perceive Him in this regard, we are uncertain how to commence emulating any facet of His existence, as He is an enigmatic Leader with whom we lack camaraderie. The practice of dismay is crucial in the journey of discipleship. The peril is in returning to a small flame of our own and igniting enthusiasm from it (Isaiah 1:10-11). When the gloom of despair descends, persevere till it subsides, for from
it will come that following of Jesus which is an unspeakable joy.
1. Leadership and Resolve of Jesus
“Jesus led the way.”
Christ advances with intention, completely cognizant of His impending agony, yet resolute.
2. The Disciples' Ambivalent Emotions
• "They were astonished; and as they pursued, they experienced trepidation."
*Their astonishment indicates reverence for Jesus' determination, while their trepidation signifies apprehension for the future.
3. The Journey to Jerusalem — A Route of Sacrifice
• “Ascending to Jerusalem.”
This denotes the realization of prophesy, as Jerusalem is the site of Jesus' supreme sacrifice.
4. Jesus' Deliberate Instruction
• "He gathered the twelve once more and commenced to inform them."
He consistently instructs His disciples, emphasizing the imperative of His suffering and purpose.
5. Foreknowledge of Suffering
• Jesus confronts suffering directly, articulating His acceptance of God's decision.
6. Faith Amid terror
• The disciples persevered in the face of terror, exemplifying a lesson in faith and obedience among uncertainty.
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