What was on your mind when you got up this morning? Did you have a to do list?
I wonder what was on Jesus’ to do list on this event-filled day, the day of His arrest and mock trial.
From reading the Gospel accounts the day was packed full. Final teachings and reassurance to His disciples. They didn’t know it was His final day. They were preparing for the Passover meal. Their focus was on finding the room – getting the unleavened bread, the wine, the lamb.
The Lamb!
“It was before the special religious gathering to remember how the Jews left Egypt. Jesus knew the time had come for Him to leave this world and go to the Father. He had loved His own who were in the world. He loved them to the end. ” John 13:1 NLV
The sacrificial lamb. It had to be spotless, without blemish or defect of any kind. Did the apostles even remember the words that John had spoken only three years earlier?
“The next day John the Baptist was standing with two of his own followers. 36 Jesus walked by. John looked at Him and said, ‘See! The Lamb of God.’ 37 John’s two followers heard him say this and followed Jesus.” John 1:35-37 NLV
Jesus knew the time had come but the others were too busy with the everyday routine to recognize that something was different.
At the supper Jesus took on the lowest form of servanthood and washed the disciples’ feet, giving them the instruction to serve one another, to love one another. He told them He would be going away but they didn’t understand.
“ Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give peace to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. 28 You heard Me say that I am going away. But I am coming back to you. If you love Me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father. The Father is greater than I. 29 I have told you this before it happens. Then when it does happen, you will believe.” John 14:27-29 NLV
We can’t be too hard on the disciples. How many times are we consumed with our own problems and relationship issues that we don’t process the instruction that Jesus has spoken through His word. “Do not be afraid – My peace I give to you”.
“I cannot speak with you much longer, because the ruler of this world is coming. But he has no power over me. 31 I obey my Father, so everyone in the world might know that I love him.
It is time for us to go now.” John 14:30-31 CEV
Read John 13-19 during the next few days, This is the account of Jesus’ last day with the disciples. The words He spoke to them, He speaks to us. His comforting instruction is for our benefit. His prayer in John 17 had us in mind.
“I am not praying just for these followers. I am also praying for everyone else who will have faith because of what my followers will say about me.” John 17:20 CEV
It’s time for us to take His words to heart!