The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about. Luke 18:34

            Over and over Jesus told his disciples he would be arrested, beaten and killed, yet every time they refused to comprehend what he was talking about.  How is that?

1.      The meaning was hidden from them by God.  They heard it but they did not understand it because God blocked the understanding.  Later God opened their eyes and they would see the complete picture.

2.      They were blinded by their own greatness in being with Jesus.  They saw his power and wanted to be on his team.  Jesus’ dying would only ruin their own chances to achieve their own greatness.

3.      They couldn’t understand why a person of so much power would allow himself to get arrested and killed. 

In the center of an issue we too don’t fully understand what’s going on.  Later, we look back and see all the pieces fitting into the puzzle.  That’s what the apostles were going through.