Read Mark 14:22-42
Jesus spent his last evening with his friends celebrating the Passover meal together. That’s where our story picks up. As we walk through Holy Week, this reading falls on Maundy Thursday. Imagine you were there with Jesus. There’s a lot happening, and we only scratch the surface of what’s yet to come for Jesus that night.
This is a story we read each year during Holy Week, and perhaps other times if we happen to be studying one of the gospels. It’s a story that never gets old. It’s the buildup to what becomes the foundation of our faith. Every second matters. Every second is holy.
What stood out to you this read through? Did you feel a bit more emotional than normal when you put yourself there in Jesus’ midst? Remembering Jesus’ last supper is always a time of great reflection. I’m thankful each time I receive the Holy meal and am able to remember Jesus and thank him yet again for his great sacrifice.
Verse 36 caught my attention because of how raw and vulnerable it was. Jesus is saying, “Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” It’s like Jesus is pleading with God, “but Daddy please!” The word “Abba” is like “daddy,” a very intimate way to refer to one’s father, in this case, our Heavenly Father.
We have an approachable God. Not only does he listen, but he responds. The Bible is full of examples where God’s will is done, despite what is happening with the people. Here in the garden, Jesus’ humanity is shining through with his plea of rescue. At the same time, Jesus’ awareness of his divine appointment is sustaining him.
We, too, can tap into divine intervention. We can pray and be ready to accept the blessings that flow our way as a result. We are no doubt facing less than a brutal death sentence, but God still wants to hear from us. He wants our devotion. A rescue plan from temptation is always provided.
If you have extra time today to read Chapter 14 of Mark’s gospel to the end (30 more verses), the rest of Jesus’ last evening will unfold. It was an eventful night we should always remember. When we let ourselves relive it as if we were there, the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice for us becomes even more real.
Let’s pray. LORD, your final hours had to have been so hard, yet you endured them for me. Thank you for how you modeled for us that the go-to response should always be to seek the Father’s will, even when it’s hard. Help me to do a better job of being still enough to hear your directions. I don’t want to miss any more cues to spending more time with you. You are my strength and my shield. In my weakness may you shine. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
