Mark 9:30-32 - Unasked Questions

[Jesus] said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it." 

- Mark 9:31–32 (NIV11)

This was not the first time Jesus had announced to his disciples the implications of this final journey to Jerusalem. Just before his transfiguration he had told them he would have to be rejected, die and rise again on the third day (Mark 8:31-33). On that first occassion Peter had tried to rebuke Jesus for his pessimistic diatribe. On this second occasion, the disciples just kept silent.  They didn't understand what he meant but they were afraid to ask.  How many questions do you have, for and about God, running around in your head? Questions you're afraid to ask lest people think less of you or question your faith. One of the difficulties with a faith that is too stringently defined and enforced through detailed creeds and statements of faith is that it can create an environment where asking tough questions is discouraged. Why ask the tough questions if you are only allowed to come to one acceptable conclusion? Such an environment tends to shun questions and praises blind acceptance; It leaves us afraid to ask and keeps us in silent ignorance.

Twice Jesus had tried to prepare his disciples for what lay ahead in Jerusalem and twice they hadn't understood what he was saying, yet they stayed silent and asked no questions for they "were afraid to ask him about it."

Prayer:
O Gracious God, give to us courage to ask our questions no matter how difficult they may seem.  Teach us the courage of Peter to speak, that we may learn and grow in faith. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.