Read Matthew 20:17-19
This Is The WORST GOOD News I’ve Ever Heard!
Matthew 20:17-19 says,
“And as Jesus was about to go up to Jerusalem, he took the 12 disciples aside by themselves, and on the way he said to them, ‘Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of Man will be DELIVERED to the chief priest and scribes, and they will CONDEMN him to DEATH, and will DELIVER him to the Gentiles to MOCK and SCOURGE and CRUCIFY him, and on the third day he will be RAISED UP.'”
Something major was about to happen to Jesus, something horrible. And Jesus pulled aside only his 12 disciples. These were his faithful ones who had committed to follow him. These are the ones who would be taking the message of Jesus to the world. He could entrust this info to them, knowing they wouldn’t understand until it was fulfilled. It would be pertinent information when the disciples shared how necessary it really was for Jesus to die but then be raised from the dead.
Thinking that Jesus would be killed is the WORST NEWS you could ever hear. But knowing the end of the story, it’s actually the BEST NEWS you could ever hear because Jesus made the way for all people to be saved from the penalty of their sins. Jesus’s Death and Resurrection is what brings us new life, a changed and transformed life – going from Death To Life.
I feel like this concept is relevant for our lives today. At some point (maybe daily), something horrible happens in our lives. As we look at it, we conclude it’s the worst news ever. Yet, by faith and perseverance, we give God an opportunity to take the WORST NEWS and turn it into something GOOD, even AMAZING. Romans 8:28 talks about how God wants to take our WORST NEWS and turn it into something GOOD. When the “WORST” happens, like Jesus, share it with your faithful friends who will pray, love, support, and encourage you. And together, believe God will take your WORST NEWS and turn it into GOOD NEWS.
So don’t see your worst news as the end of your life story, but see it as the beginning of something good even amazing that God wants to do in and through your life. Keep the faith and persevere! You’re about to experience the Worst Good News you’ve ever heard.
