Why is it important to reflect on Jesus' actions after they occur? John 12:16 — The Spark for Reflection “At first His disciples did not understand these things. But after Jesus was glorified, they realized that these things had been written about Him and that they had been done to Him.” Context: What Just Happened? • Jesus has just entered Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9. • Crowds wave palm branches and shout “Hosanna!” • The disciples witness the scene but only grasp its full meaning later, after the resurrection and ascension (“after Jesus was glorified”). A Familiar Pattern of Delayed Understanding • John 2:22 — “After He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered…” • Luke 24:6-8 — At the empty tomb the women “remembered His words.” • Acts 11:16 — Peter says, “Then I remembered the word of the Lord.” These moments show that immediate comprehension is not always granted; reflection guided by the Spirit completes the lesson. Why Reflection Matters • Confirms Prophecy: Seeing events match Scripture (Zechariah 9:9; Isaiah 53) affirms God’s reliability. • Deepens Faith: Recalling the resurrection power behind every scene turns information into conviction (Romans 10:17). • Fuels Worship: The more clearly we see Jesus’ fulfillment of Scripture, the more our hearts respond in praise (Revelation 5:12). • Equips Witness: A well-considered story of Christ’s works becomes a compelling testimony (Acts 4:20). • Guards Against Forgetfulness: Reflection cements truth that might otherwise fade (Deuteronomy 4:9). Scripture and the Spirit: Partners in Reflection • John 14:26 — The Spirit “will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.” • 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 — We grasp spiritual truths because the Spirit interprets them. • 2 Peter 1:19 — Reflecting on fulfilled prophecy makes the “prophetic word even more certain.” From Experience to Conviction • 1 John 1:1-3 — The apostles move from seeing and touching Jesus to proclaiming Him; reflection turns encounters into proclamation. • Acts 2:32-33 — Peter preaches boldly after reflecting on the risen Christ’s exaltation. • Romans 8:34 — Knowing Christ is now exalted at God’s right hand steadies believers in suffering. Practical Ways to Reflect on Jesus’ Works Today • Read and Re-read: Slowly revisit Gospel accounts, noting fulfilled prophecies. • Journal Connections: Write down where an event lines up with Old-Testament promises. • Share Stories: Retell Christ’s deeds with family or church, reinforcing truth. • Celebrate Ordinances: The Lord’s Supper anchors believers in the finished work. • Quiet Meditation: Set aside moments to ponder how each act of Jesus affects daily obedience. • Memorize Key Verses: Hiding Scripture in the heart fuels spontaneous reflection (Psalm 119:11). The Ongoing Invitation Looking back on Jesus’ actions isn’t nostalgia; it is the Spirit-empowered pathway to stronger faith, richer worship, and unwavering witness. The disciples needed reflection to grasp the glory in the Triumphal Entry, and so do we for every scene in the Gospel narrative. |
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