The events which lead to the betrayal, arrest and crucifixion of Jesus, start on the Thursday before Easter as Jesus asks his disciples to make preparations so they can celebrate a Passover meal together that evening. There appears to be no sleep for Jesus or the disciples as the gospels take us through events which follow on from that meal and lead to the death of Jesus on Friday afternoon.
So today’s bible reading tells us about the earlier part of that Thursday evening – the Passover meal: Luke 22: 1-38 and then tomorrow (Thursday) read about the events which take place after they leave the upper room Luke 22: 39-71.
The Passover meal which today’s bible reading describes would be a familiar annual event which the disciples would look forward to celebrating as they had done every year of their lives. On this occasion the familiarity is disturbed by Jesus declaring that one of them would betray him, and Luke’s gospel indicates that this dreadful news leads them into a discussed about which of them is the greatest!
John’s gospel tells us that Jesus settled this dispute by doing what was expected of the least important person in the room – Jesus washes their feet.
Those who were present at that ‘last supper’ are so focussed on themselves – on the importance of their own lives that they fail to hear Jesus telling them that life is about to change in ways they cannot imagine, even when Jesus breaks from the traditional phrases used at Passover and says (v.19) “This is my body given for you: do this in remembrance of me” and (v.20) “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”
Later that evening when the unthinkable happens – Jesus is arrested - the emotions which overwhelm them causes them to lose sight of who they know Jesus to be – the one who walked on water and then calmed a storm, the one who made the lame, walk and the blind, see; the one who brought Lazarus out of the grave. Their memory of these and many other instances are blotted out by fear, panic and uncertainty they forget that Jesus is the Christ – God’s anointed One.
Back in January as we read about Moses giving the people of Israel instructions for celebrating the very first Passover, we had no idea how life would change for us. Now just a few weeks later, like the disciples it is easy for us to let these unusual events – scary events – overwhelm us and cause us to lose sight of who we know Jesus to be. Let the lyrics of this song remind us of who we know Jesus to be:
Majesty, worship his majesty; Unto Jesus be glory, honour and praise.
Majesty, kingdom authority, flows from his throne Unto his own, His anthem raise.
So exalt, lift up on high the name of Jesus, Magnify, come glorify, Christ Jesus the King.
Majesty, worship His majesty, Jesus who died, now glorified, King of all kings
(Jack W Hayford © 1981 Rocksmith Music)
Tomorrow – Maundy Thursday – we have a guest writer – Ron.
Then on Good Friday I will write again, sharing something we can do together to remember Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross.
Before then, return to the outline of a cross which you drew on Sunday. Over the next two days write around the outside of the cross words which describe what is wrong with the world (greed / hunger / global warming etc…) – and what is wrong within our own lives (loneliness – or lack of ‘alone time’ etc…)
Looking ahead you could also think about on Friday and Saturday wearing darker colours – greys, dark blues & black, before on Sunday wearing the brightest colours you have in your wardrobe. - Stephen
Because we aren’t able to make donations of food items to Birmingham City Mission (BCM), we have sent a donation of £100 from church funds for the Mission to purchase food items as they continue with their work to feed those in need.