The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him and on the third day he will be raised to life. And the disciples were filled with grief.

Matthew 17:22–23 NIV

The first time Jesus predicted his death, his disciples couldn’t accept it (Matthew 16:21–22).

The second time, the disciples were filled with grief. Some say that if they had understood and trusted Jesus, they would not have been sad. But I’m not so sure.

We grieve when we lose someone we love or when we realize our plans will not be realized. The disciples’ grief indicates they understood they would lose Jesus. And that he would not come as the earthly king they had hoped.

It’s necessary and okay to grieve any time our plans change, our ideas thwarted, and our loved ones face death.

What are you beginning to realize that you will lose?

Give yourself permission to be filled with grief.