the elephant in the room

Matthew 17:22-24

It's interesting how Matthew ties these events to geographical locations. This pronouncement of Jesus happened when the disciples had gathered together in Galilee. I don't think that the location is important except that it adds credibility to Matthew's record and it helps scholars trace the path of Christ. Maybe the geographical locations helped Matthew remember the events. I watch the Amazing Race - more out of habit than because it is fresh. One of the tasks towards the end of the race is to match events to the location they occurred in. Some of the players think in terms of the location first (i.e. "first we went here, then we went there...") and match the activity to the location. Some players think in terms of activity first (i.e. "first we did this, then we did that...") and match the location to the activity. My guess is that Matthew thinks more in terms of location and then remembers the activities that occurred in that location. I don't know how important this is. It's just interesting to me.
The thing that happens in Galilee this time is that Jesus tells his disciples for the second time that he is going to be betrayed and killed and raised again on the third day. It's obvious that the disciples don't really understand what Jesus is talking about because no one asks him what he means that he is going to be raised again on the third day. They just grieve. I would like to think that if someone made a statement like that, I would ask them a question or two. On the other hand, I don't want to appear stupid and if I think everyone else in the group understands what's going on, I can see where I wouldn't ask any questions either.
So, the lesson for me is to ask questions. When I don't understand something, even if I think I'll look stupid, ask. I really wonder if Jesus was hoping that someone would ask the question. If there would be one person who would seek to understand and therefore better able to share his burden. My resolution is to ask more questions.