Mark 10:32
32 They were now on the way up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were filled with awe, and the people following behind were overwhelmed with fear. Taking the twelve disciples aside, Jesus once more began to describe everything that was about to happen to him.

Dear God, there seems to be a throwaway line here in the middle of this passage: “…and the people following behind were overwhelmed with fear.” I looked up several different translations, and I really didn’t get a better description of why these people we so afraid. Or maybe another way of looking at it is to wonder why the twelve were not afraid. Why did Jesus keep having to explain his impending suffering and death to them?

But back on the people following being “overwhelmed with fear.” I wonder why they kept following. They apparently had enough perspective to sense the danger ahead (maybe the twelve were too close to it to see it). Yet they pressed on in their fear. Maybe it was their faith in Jesus that propelled them on. Maybe it was morbid curiosity. Maybe it was a sense of calling. I wonder what happened to them on that Good Friday/Passover evening after Jesus was dead. I just realized I’ve used the word “wonder” several times this morning. I suppose that’s what I’m left with at this point, just to wonder.

As for me, even now, I have things about which I am afraid. I have challenges at work, with my children, with family members, with friends, etc. And that doesn’t even count politics, societal issues, and what’s going on around the world. Yes, there can even be times when I am “overwhelmed with fear.” But I follow because there is no other hope for me outside of you.

Father, I have a lot of things to do today, including one very important thing that I have to get right. Please give me wisdom and discernment as I evaluate my options Thank you for putting options before me in the first place. A week ago at this time I felt like I was at square one. But I prayed to you and followed a path, and it feels like you have brought the right person to me. I just need to figure out which one it is. Be with me as I have lunch with a friend who is battling cancer. Thank you that what he has is very treatable. Be with my wife’s and my time with our daughter tonight as we celebrate her birthday. Give her a sense of your love for her and our love for her through our time together. Help her to make the decisions that are in front of her as well. And I guess, going back to the passage today, I pledge to you that I will take my fears, lay them at the foot of your cross, and take up your yoke. You are my only path to a peace that passes understanding. Thank you for being my God.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen