The Unfolding Plan

On the final trip to Jerusalem, as Jesus and His followers approached Jericho, Jesus gave them, for the third time, the fact that He was going to be taken, abused, turned over to the Gentiles to be crucified. The disciples did not understand this due to their preconceived belief that Jesus was going to Jerusalem to establish the kingdom and the throne of David (see Luke 19:11). Jesus did not want them to understand the truth until after He ascended to the Father's right hand. When the Holy Spirit came upon them, it is amazing to see how their understanding was changed. Just read the book of Acts. On the other hand, the hardness and rebellion of the Jews kept them in the dark for judgment.