Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion is Luke 18:31-34.

“31 Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things which are written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished.

32 “For He will be handed over to the Gentiles, and will be mocked and mistreated and spit upon,

33 and after they have scourged Him, they will kill Him; and the third day He will rise again.”

34 But the disciples understood none of these things, and the meaning of this statement was hidden from them, and they did not comprehend the things that were said.” Luke 18:31-34.

Why would Jesus take the twelve disciples aside to tell them such painful details? Considering: “… the disciples understood none of these things, and the meaning of this statement was hidden from them, and they did not comprehend the things that were said.” Luke 18:34.???

Maybe, it was said and written also for our sake. Let us consider what was written for Abraham, but not only written for Abraham. Let us consider what was written for Moses, but not only written for Moses.

Regarding Abraham, “Therefore IT WAS ALSO CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him, but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.” Romans 4:23-25. (Emphasis added.)

Regarding Moses, “For it is written in the Law of Moses, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING ” God is not concerned about oxen, is He? Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops. If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?” 1 Corinthians 9:9-11. (Emphasis added.)

In conclusion, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4.

In reading the Scripture for today, we persevere, we are encouraged, knowing the sovereignty of God, knowing not only that every painful step for Jesus was ordained by God, but also knowing that every step for us is ordained by God too. It was written for our sake also that “all things which are written … will be accomplished”.