We often receive blessings from the Lord that we did not ask for. The crippled beggar was expecting money, but Peter gave him something much better. He restored his health and kindled the fire of faith in his heart. He got far more than he asked for! Perhaps we can ask the Lord to bless us in whatever way he chooses, without even telling us. Let the Lord surprise us!

The crushed disciples couldn't understand how the Messiah could suffer and die. That wasn't supposed to happen! They even knew about the empty tomb, but it meant nothing to them, for they lacked understanding. We find suffering difficult enough to understand in everyday life, but for Jesus to suffer and die was unthinkable. Jesus had to open their minds and hearts to the inner meaning of Scripture. The verses that he explained all pointed to him - and his death was not a freak accident. It was all according to divine plan, the 'big picture.' The path of the Messiah was one of suffering and overcoming. Just as Jesus walked with the two dejected disciples, so he walks with us each day. He opens our hearts and minds so that we may understand our suffering and that of others and not lose heart. These things are necessary so that we too may enter into our glory.