Facing the Future with Boldness

What Mark 10:32–34 taught me about walking into the unknown

What’s on your calendar this week? 🗓️ A trip to the doctor? Dinner with your in-laws? A meeting you’re dreading? Maybe all of the above? 😅

Just thinking about some of those things can make your stomach churn a little, can’t it?

Truth is, we all face things that make us anxious. And if you’re anything like me, your imagination starts writing worst-case-scenario scripts the moment something unknown pops up. It’s what we do.

In Mark 10:32–34, we see Jesus and His disciples on a road trip—but not the relaxing kind. They’re heading to Jerusalem, and the vibe is tense.

😨 When the Road Ahead Makes You Nervous

“And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid…” (Mark 10:32 KJV)

That verse jumped out at me. The disciples had been walking with Jesus for years. But now, something feels different. They’re amazed. They’re afraid. And they can’t quite explain why—but they know something’s coming.

Ever had that feeling? That “I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I just know it won’t be easy” feeling? 🥴 Maybe it’s a job interview, a diagnosis, a difficult conversation, or even just watching the news these days.

The unknown can be scary. But Jesus doesn’t leave His friends in the dark.

🗣️ Jesus Talks to Them About What’s Coming

Instead of letting them stew in silence, Jesus pulls the twelve aside and tells them what’s ahead. And He doesn’t sugarcoat it:

“The Son of man shall be delivered… they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him…” (Mark 10:33–34)

Whoa. That’s heavy. And very specific. Jesus knew exactly what was waiting in Jerusalem.

But then… He adds this:

“…and the third day he shall rise again.” ✝️🙌

That last sentence changes everything.

Jesus was giving them a heads-up, not just so they wouldn’t be surprised—but so they could have hope in the middle of the storm.

And isn’t that what we all want? When we’re anxious, it helps just to know something—anything—about what’s coming. But the most comforting thing is to know that someone we trust is already there.

✈️ A Story About Aircraft Cable and Trust

Let me tell you something simple that stuck with me.

At our church, we’ve got these huge lights and speakers hanging from the ceiling. They’re clamped in real tight, but just in case something ever fails, there’s aircraft cable connected to everything. That cable is strong enough to catch the weight if the clamp gives out.

Do you know how much more relaxed you feel when you realize someone already planned for the worst-case scenario? 🙏 That’s what Jesus was doing for His disciples—and what He’s done for us too.

📖 God’s Word Gives Us a Glimpse

You might be thinking, “Well, if Jesus told me exactly what was coming, I’d feel better too!” Fair point.

But here’s the thing… He has. Through His Word, God has already told us a whole lot about what to expect in this life:

• “All that will live godly… shall suffer persecution.” (2 Tim. 3:12)
• “You will reap what you sow.” (Gal. 6:7)
• “Perilous times shall come.” (2 Tim. 3:1)
• “I will never leave thee.” (Heb. 13:5)
• “Nothing… shall separate us from the love of God.” (Rom. 8:39)
• “It is appointed unto men once to die.” (Heb. 9:27)

Sure, we don’t get every detail—but God has given us the big picture. And the ending is really good.

💥 The Resurrection Is the Game-Changer

Let’s be real: Jesus didn’t pretend the future would be easy. He told them plainly—there would be suffering. Pain. Death.

But that wasn’t the end of the story.

“The third day he shall rise again.” 🙌

That’s the hope that steadied Jesus’ followers through trials, martyrdom, and persecution. Because if Jesus conquered death, then the worst thing that could ever happen to us has already been defeated.

The resurrection isn’t just a nice Easter idea—it’s the anchor for our souls. ⚓

👣 Walking Into the Future with Jesus

Here’s the million-dollar question:

Do we live like we believe it?

I’m not asking if you believe Jesus rose from the dead. I’m asking if that truth shapes the way you think about the future.

Too many of us live like the disciples did before Easter: nervous, uncertain, afraid.

But we don’t have to.

Because Jesus already walked into death and came out victorious. He knows the road ahead. And He’s promised to walk it with us.

💬 Final Thoughts

• The disciples were afraid of the future.
• Jesus comforted them by revealing His plan.
• His resurrection proved that even death doesn’t get the last word.

So the next time anxiety starts to creep in and your stomach turns at what might be around the corner… remember this:

Jesus has already been to your future—and He’s not afraid. 💪

Let’s trust Him and move forward boldly. Because nothing in your tomorrow is bigger than the Savior who rose again. 🕊️✨

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