February 20, 2026
Going to Jerusalem - Part 5
Luke 18:34
02/20/2026
34 But they understood none of these things. This
saying was hidden from them, and they did not
grasp what was said. (ESV)
During Lent the Church prays:
Almighty and everlasting God, You despise nothing You
have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent.
Create in us new and contrite hearts that lamenting our
sins and acknowledging our wretchedness we may receive
from You full pardon and forgiveness.
We believe, teach, and confess that the Bible is clear in
it's message of our sin and God's grace. However, we often
reject even the clearest words if the words do not fit our
preconceived ideas. The first stage of grief, as an example, is
denial.
The disciples are no different. They expected a political
savior, one who would restore the kingdom of David and Solomon.
Although the prophet Isaiah was clear as he wrote of the
Suffering Servant, that Messiah was simply inconceivable. Saint
Luke recorded the disciples' reaction to Jesus' words: ``But they
understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from
them, and they did not grasp what was said.''
Without understanding our sin, the good news of God's gift
of salvation for the sake of the death and resurrection of Jesus
falls on deaf ears. We simply do not like to admit that we
deserve God's wrath and punishment, that we cannot fix that which
we have broken.
This is why we should gather to hear God's Word each week,
so that we can hear and accept the truth. Please join us at
Trinity Lutheran Church on Sunday at 9:00 a.m. to learn more of
God's mercy. You may leave your comments or questions at
http://ask.trinityslayton.info.
May our Lord grant you His rich blessing of knowledge,
wisdom, and faith for your eternal blessing. Amen.