Some folks make the point that Jesus verbally taught more in the last six months of his life than any other time in his ministry on earth (any observant red letter Bible reader notices this). It is also apparent to any observant Bible reader that the increase of Jesus teaching corresponds directly with the coming of Jesus death at Calvary. Certainly, then, there is a correspondence between an increase in his direct instruction to his disciples and times of trial.
In a similar vein, there were many times during Jesus’ teaching ministry when his disciples just didn’t grasp what their Rabbi was showing them. It’s almost as if Jesus had to start from the ground up to teach the disciples his curriculum because they simply had no concept, or no frame of referencer for what he was trying to teach to them.
This, for me, implies two things. The first is that we cannot expect Jesus’ direct teaching to us to be consistent across the board. There were times when Jesus was silent when they expected him to speak (i.e. during his trial), there are times when his voice is abundant. With this, it’s likely that it’s during the times of trial that he speaks most.
Let us face the trials of today with an expectation that it will cultivate intimacy with Jesus.
