Amazed yet fearful

"They were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking on ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were fearful. And again He took the twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him,"--Mark 10:32.  There were those following after Jesus into Jerusalem.  All were amazed.  All were fearful.

They were amazed.  The Greek word used here can also be translated astounded.  Interestingly enough the Greek word used here is only used 3 times in the whole New Testament and all within the book of Mark. What were they amazed at in regards to Jesus? Too much to list here.  But Jesus was different than the religious leaders of the Jews' day.  He did not consider Himself above anyone but their servant.  He even says elsewhere in Scripture, "The Son of Man came not to serve but to be served."  Jesus is different than what we see across religious circles today.  Jesus invites everyone to come to Him no matter what age, race, nationality, or language.  All are invited to follow Him

Those who followed were fearful.  Why? Well they were headed to Jerusalem.  Jerusalem is where Jesus' sufferings and ultimately his crucifixion would occur. As a result, those who followed Him would suffer as well.  Following Christ can be scary at times.  Thankfully, here in the United States, we don't face the same persecution.  However, following Christ can be scary because it can mean relinquishing control of a situation and placing our trust fully in Him even in the worst of circumstances.

I don't know if you are going through a difficult circumstance.  If you are consider what Jesus has done and trust Him to get you through.  But whether you are or you are not going through a difficult time, I leave you with the following passage. James 5:13--"Is anyone among you suffering? Then he MUST pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises." (Emphasis added).  DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT! LOVE Y'ALL! GOD BLESS!