Matthew 26:17-30
Mark 14:12-26
Luke 22:7-23
John 13:1-13
Today’s readings describe Jesus’ last meal with his disciples. He tells the group to expect Judas’ betrayal. I can’t imagine all the feelings going through that room on that night. The twelve did not really understand what Jesus was saying. If they had, they surely would have gone after Judas themselves and stopped him. We know the scriptures were to be fulfilled. The disciples had heard all of Jesus’ teaching, but hadn’t really fit the pieces of the puzzle together.
When I read these verses of scripture I always have that tiny hope things will turn out different. But that is pure fantasy, and my human-ness wanting to avoid suffering. Jesus knew his fate, and was willing to accept this end, although his human self was suffering with this knowledge. Again it comes down to faith. The faith to believe, the faith to accept and to cherish what God has given each and every one of us. And for His sacrifice, I am thankful beyond words. Amen
Becky, transforming
pic by Kay
2021-0401 Thursday, Daily Devotion - Passion Week #4
Jesus gave another opportunity to Judas saying,
John 13:21 (NIV)
21 After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.”
John 13:26 (NIV)
26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.
But, “As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.”
Jesus always gives us another opportunity. But if we miss the opportunity, we would regret it as…
Matthew 26: 17-30, Mark 14: 12-26, Luke 22: 7-23, John 13: 1-13
Luke 21: 21 “But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table.”
Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray him. Just like he knows in advance each time we sin and sin is a betrayal of our love and belief in God. Every time someone turns away from God they follow the way of Judas. Hopefully, I will never fall into the category of complete betrayal. I will atone for my sins and ask for forgiveness. I will come to the Lord’s Table and be reminded every time that Jesus sacrificed his life for us, so that we could…
John’s account of the Last Supper is the only Gospel to include the washing of the disciples’ feet. Any speculation as to why is utterly meaningless in the face of the enduring and powerful image of this simple act and what it means for followers of Jesus going forward. It is overwhelmingly sad to contemplate that in the two millennia of Christian history the number of times that those representing the church acted more like slave masters than servants. Jesus must be grieved by what humankind does with and in the name of His Church. We must set that aside, read, learn and live the teachings of Jesus. The Christian life is one of serving and not being served. it…