John 12:16 - At first his disciples did not understand

At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him.

These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.

Commentary

As we approach the season of Lent, it's important for Christians to see that events on the Christian calendar were meant to remind us of what Jesus did during His time on the earth. However your tradition acknowledges this season, let this be a time of reflection of the things written about Him and an understanding of what we have done to Him. We are prone to fall into familiar patterns - even in our spirituality. Yet when we are faced with any Christian season, we are forced to stop and remind ourselves what that season tells us about Jesus. Lent reminds us that the Messiah was tempted in every way like us, yet was without sin. He experienced our temptations so that we could experience His salvation!

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC

1 Corinthians 3:7-9 - For we are God's fellow workers

So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.

So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

Commentary

Paul had planted, or started, the church in Corinth; Apollos had watered it-had a significant ministry there after Paul left. But both men were only servants through whom God worked. The ones who plant and water have nothing to boast about because God gives the increase. Only God draws unbelievers to Himself. It is our responsibility to do our job no matter what the results, for God will reward us for our efforts and the quality of our work.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1997). The Nelson study Bible : New King James Version. Includes index. (1 Co 3:5). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.