The Paradox that was Concealed

But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying (Luke 9:43b-45).

The crowd saw Him confront and confound legions of demons, heal every disease brought to him, and raise a young girl from the dead. The disciples saw Him calm a raging storm, feed thousands with a few loaves and fishes, and be transfigured and confirmed by the voice of God from Heaven. They all marveled at what they saw.  But Jesus told His disciples they hadn’t seen anything yet. The most profound and perplexing events were still to come and they would be the paradox that was concealed.

This paradox was predetermined. Son of Man is a name assigned to the prophet Ezekiel dozens of times and describes him as a prophet given to judge man according to the Word of God. The miracles of Jesus confirmed that He was the ultimate Son of Man sent by God and promised by the Old Testament prophet Daniel… “I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed” (Daniel 7:13-14). Jesus identified Himself as the Son of Man who will return to earth again as the judge of those who reject His gospel… “For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done” (Matthew 16:27). But first, the Son of Man would surrender to the authorities of man to lay down His life as atonement for sin… “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). Believing that their miracle working and God-confirmed Master would be delivered into the hands of mere men was for now, beyond the grasp of the disciples.

This paradox was voluntary. This was Jesus’ third attempt to warn His disciples of His coming suffering. It shows His compassion and concern for them, and it also reveals the important truth He was in control of this situation. He was not at the mercy of human authorities. He was about to willingly surrender to them… “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father” (John 10:17-18). Ultimately, Jesus was surrendering to His Father’s will… “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). Understanding the kind of love that would compel Jesus to lay down His life was for now, beyond the grasp of His disciples.

This paradox was concealed. The implications of Jesus’ words were concealed. On first glance we might assume it was Jesus Himself that kept His meaning from them, but the very presence of the Word of God on earth and in the flesh was to reveal the glory, grace, and truth of God to mankind… “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Jesus told the disciples to “let these words sink into your ears” but His words did not find a home in their hearts because they were filled with fear. The Spirit inspired Luke to note that the disciples’ fear kept them from asking Jesus about this saying. After His death and resurrection, Christ would give all true disciples victory over fear through the Holy Spirit so that we might fully grasp all of the truth of God’s Word… “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). But before their fulfillment, the meaning of Jesus’ words about His suffering was beyond the grasp of His disciples.

As we grow up into Christ we are thankful for the understanding His Spirit gives us about…

The Paradox that was Concealed.