Filled with Grief

Matthew 17-19

“After they gathered again in Galilee, Jesus told them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of His enemies. He will be killed, but on the third day He will be raised from the dead.’ And the disciples were filled with grief.” Matthew‬ ‭17‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Online dictionary describes grief as “deep sorrow, especially that caused by someone’s death.”

Healthline.com says there are five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. I wonder which step the disciples fell into. I would imagine at this point probably denial, as I don’t think they fully grasped their savior actually dying, at least not yet.

I find much comfort in these words coming from Jesus: “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of My heavenly Father.” Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ What an astounding and hopeful thought! Angels always in the presence of God, protecting my children. Thank you, Jesus!