Have you read the account of the Lord’s Supper lately? The Jewish tradition of the Passover is a beautiful time of celebration and remembrance of what God did for the Israelites long ago when once captive to Pharaoh. The people were held under Egyptian rule for four hundred years, generations of Jews/Hebrews left feeling hopeless and living without purpose except to serve the ruler. Pharaoh’s immense power even had them convinced that Egypt was where they belonged before, during, and after Moses’ attempt to achieve their release. Israel was confused where she wanted to go.
Over 1,400 years later, those following Jesus clearly knew what they wanted, a Messiah and someone to free them from Roman rule. The Jews longed to live and rule as their own people. As Jesus has the room “prepared” for his final meal, the disciples are eager to partake in the Passover. They feel a culmination of greatness coming. The Lord has delivered the captives from their sickness and depravity and conquered the religious elite every time. The cusp of a revolution is near. Even during the meal just after Jesus shares how he is giving himself up for the disciples and how they should remember him, they start a dispute among themselves. How could you be the greatest? I will be the greatest in heaven.
Jesus breaks it up and answers them that the greatest in heaven will in fact be the least. Remember the Beatitudes? The Gentile nations and rulers lord their power over others and call themselves Benefactors, but we are to lead by serving, by being the least. Even Jesus reminds them that he has been serving the entire time.
As this story continues, it can be expounded on in oh so many ways. A plethora of commentaries are available to discuss the meaning of this account and even more attempting to understand the latter parts when Jesus advises the disciples to buy swords. If there is interest, maybe we can discuss this in another devotional.
What captures me the most is how the disciples’ gut feeling was correct, that something was coming and soon things were going to drastically change, and even though they were the closest to Jesus - having endured and witnessed all of Jesus’ sayings, healings, exhortations, and love - at this last meal their conclusion of the events to come is completely the opposite of what Jesus knows is really around the corner.
They are expecting a fight, but Jesus knows a different fight is coming. And when they resist Jesus’ captors and fight back, Jesus tells them to put down their swords and heals the servant of the high priest’s ear.
My thought: Do you know what Jesus wants from you? Do you expect that in the times you feel closest to him and in his will that you will know the way to go? With the disciples, they actually got it all wrong. It’s quite amazing that when you are closest to him, you actually might need to look in the opposite direction. Despite our failures and getting his mission wrong, this story assures me of his grace and forgiveness. He understands that we get confused easily and is still faithful to make his work complete through us.
31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” 35 Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” “Nothing,” they answered. 36 He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. 37 It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.” 38 The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That is enough,” he replied.
Luke 22:31-38
37 days!
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