After the glory of the transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36), the remarkable healing of a child and the awed amazement of the crowd and disciples (Luke 9:37-43), Jesus gathered the Twelve for a briefing.  Mark's account gives more detail: 'The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.'  (Mark 9:31).  However, they did not understand.  They could not reconcile those words with the roller-coaster 'successes’ of Jesus' ministry and popularity; it did not match their idea of the Messiah.  But it was also a message they did not want to receive - Luke said they were frightened about what it might mean, so they did not even ask.

But there was another factor at work, preventing them from understanding.  In writing, '... it was hidden from them', Luke implies that the Lord did not intend them to grasp it at that time.  So, what was the point in Jesus telling them to listen carefully?  It was the truth which Jesus was hiding in their hearts so that they could understand it from the scriptures after the resurrection (Luke 24:45).  

Until the events between the cross and resurrection had taken place, they would not be able to put the jigsaw of information together to see what God was doing.  Even then, they could not see the picture clearly until the Holy Spirit filled their minds and hearts.  Until that time, they needed to hold on to every word of truth.  Then, what was prophesied in the Old Testament, and fulfilled in Jesus, could be preached throughout the world (Acts 1:8).

There are many things we do not understand (Deuteronomy 29:29), and even the things God reveals we cannot fully grasp until all the pieces have been set in place.  The Lord may give us enough information to alert and prepare us for the future, and we need to listen carefully so that when the right moment comes, we are ready to obey.  Wonderfully, the gospel message is not a mystery any longer (Colossians 1:25-29).  We, who know the way of salvation, can confidently explain it to others (see www.crosscheck.org.uk to know more).  So, whatever is unclear, treasure and ponder, like Mary did (Luke 2:51), until the Lord shows you what it means.  But whatever is clear: rejoice in it, obey it and share it with others!