Have you ever attended a retirement or going-away party for yourself or a friend? Then you know the gamut of emotions, the hopes, and the dreams for the future on everyone’s minds. I don’t think Jesus’ disciples realized this dinner with Jesus was one of those occasions. To them, this was sharing the Passover meal with Jesus, which was special by itself. Knowing how the evening carried a much deeper meaning was learned after the fact.
Would the disciples have had an inkling of doom, remembering all of Jesus’ talk lately about death? If there were any doubts going into the Passover meal, Jesus cleared it all up, but then confused the issue again just as quickly. “What was all this talk about the betrayal?” they must have wondered.
I always love how Jesus gives an instruction that seems so random, and then it plays out exactly as He said. What do we learn about Jesus from just those acts alone? He is very aware of the world and seems to know everything about everybody before it happens. This isn’t the only example of Jesus describing the future. Why should we ever doubt Jesus? He has never been wrong.
If you’ve attended church, there is a good chance you’ve experienced Holy Communion. Jesus instituted this remembrance we celebrate today during his Last Supper. I’m sure when Jesus called out his body and blood as being the actual bread and wine, it made absolutely no sense to his followers. Today, some churches call these elements symbols, and others claim the bread and wine are Jesus’ body and blood, just as he said.
The moments we spend with Jesus, remembering his last meal with his friends, are a precious, worshipful time. Jesus’ sacrifice for us is something we should never forget. That moment was defining for all of humanity and ushered in the New Covenant between God and his people.
What did you think of Peter’s outburst? He was so sure that he would stay true and not waver. We can also feel that confidence in our relationship with Jesus, until something tempts us or distracts us. Many times, extremely faithful people stumble when confronted with an illness, a job loss, or some other “life-rocking” event. Rather than lean into the Lord’s protection, these people turn away, sometimes even blaming God for what is happening.
God never wants bad things to happen, and yet many unpleasant things still happen. We can choose to feel like the psalmist and lament, feeling abandoned. Psalm 13:2 says, “How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand?” Or, we can listen to Jesus in John 14:1, where he says, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” We have a choice now on how to respond when troubles come our way.
We’ll see how the story plays out for Peter in future readings. We should pay attention to Jesus’ warning to Peter as good counsel for us. People are going to ask us who Jesus is and if we know him. Are you ready with your response? Spending time getting to know Jesus through prayer and reading the Word are great ways to equip ourselves and make the best friend ever.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, thank you for being available to me as my friend as well as my Savior, my Redeemer, and my King. Thank you for your sacrifice for me. I treasure moments with you during Holy Communion; your presence fills me. Help me to stand strong when bad things come my way. I am so grateful for how you equip me when I’m feeling weak. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
