In the Life of Christ
“But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.” —Mark 9:32, NIV.
Most of us know the feeling of sitting in a room where everyone else seems to understand. We consider asking a question, then imagine the looks we might receive. Surely we should know this already. So we remain quiet and carry our confusion home. I find something reassuring in discovering that the disciples experienced a similar struggle. They walked beside Jesus, heard His teaching, and witnessed His works, yet there were things they could not understand. Their difficulty becomes a mirror in which we can recognize our own—and an invitation to respond differently.
Jesus had been traveling through Galilee, taking time to teach His disciples about His approaching death and resurrection. This was central to His mission, yet it challenged their expectations of what the Messiah would accomplish. Three of them had recently witnessed His glory at the transfiguration. How could the One revealed in such splendor be handed over and killed? Mark records their confusion without telling us precisely why they were afraid. We should leave room for that uncertainty rather than assume we can read their hearts.
Matthew Henry offers this searching observation: “Many remain ignorant because they are ashamed to enquire.” His words invite me to examine my own silence. Sometimes I hesitate because I fear appearing uninformed. Sometimes the question reaches deeper: I suspect that understanding Jesus more clearly will require a change I have been avoiding. Learning what forgiveness means may challenge a cherished grievance. Understanding service may disturb my desire for recognition. An honest question can become the doorway through which Christ leads us into costly obedience.
The next scene makes their silence especially revealing. Along the road, the disciples argue about who is greatest. Jesus is teaching them about His coming sacrifice while they are occupied with their relative importance. Amy G. Oden observes, “When the disciples avoid asking hard questions, they focus on posturing about who is right.” That is an uncomfortable possibility for any of us. We can become energetic in defending our position while remaining reluctant to ask what Jesus is actually teaching us. He responds by gathering the Twelve and teaching them that greatness involves becoming the servant of all.
Jesus’ patience includes correction. He loves His disciples enough to challenge their assumptions, and He continues teaching them through their confusion. After His resurrection, He walks with two bewildered followers toward Emmaus and explains how the Scriptures illuminate His suffering and glory (Luke 24:25–27). Their disappointed expectations need to be reshaped by God’s revealed purpose. I need that same willingness to let Scripture correct the story I have been telling myself about how God ought to work.
Even shortly before His ascension, the disciples have questions about the kingdom. In Acts 1:6–8, Jesus directs them away from knowing the Father’s timetable and toward their calling as witnesses empowered by the Holy Spirit. His answer gives them responsibility without satisfying every curiosity. We can trust Jesus enough to ask our questions and trust Him enough to follow when some questions remain unanswered. Spiritual maturity includes learning to distinguish what God has revealed from what He has reserved.
Perhaps there is a question you have been keeping outside your prayers. Bring it before the Lord plainly. Read the surrounding passage slowly, seek help from a trustworthy teacher, and remain willing to receive an answer that challenges your preferences. James 1:5 encourages those who lack wisdom to ask God. Asking does not promise instant understanding, but it places our uncertainty before the One whose wisdom we need. We can also help others ask by receiving their questions with care, especially when they are young in faith.
Mark 9:30–37 shows disciples struggling to understand a suffering Messiah while Jesus patiently redirects them toward humble service. The passage encourages honest inquiry, teachability, and obedience shaped by the cross. Today, let your prayer begin where your understanding ends: “Lord Jesus, help me understand what You are saying, and make me willing to follow.”
If you would like to explore Scripture with two or more people, consider starting a study group. I welcome your questions and can offer support by email as you learn and grow together.
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