DAY THIRTY-EIGHT – Thursday, April 14, 2022 (Maundy Thursday)
Matthew 26:14-26
Please note that this day on which this passage is designated is Passover, and, of course, the setting of the story is Passover and I believe, therefore, that today is a significant anniversary. Two scenes play out simultaneously, the one being despicable treachery, and the other, a very tender and emotional last supper that Jesus and his twelve close friends are sharing together. This particular meal is meaningful in two respects; it celebrates the hasty last meal of the Israelites in slavery before they left for the freedom of the Promised Land, and, also we know, what the disciples couldn’t know, that this Passover meal with Jesus would be their last one with Him before He left for the freedom of the ultimate Promised Land. Judas, too, was at the table but, obviously, not at oneness with the others. That he had already “sold” Jesus to His enemies, the intolerant religious authorities, is mind-boggling. Judas had spent three years in close association with Jesus and had heard all his teaching. What could possibly have possessed him? Surely it couldn’t be thirty lousy pieces of silver, which he, in very short time, he tossed back at the feet of the religious officials. Is that all Jesus was worth, or, in fact, any human being? The scene juxtaposed with Judas’ treachery shows Jesus’ full awareness of the horrible events transpiring, but wanting to celebrate Passover with his beloved ones who seemed to be emotionally absorbing the depth of sadness in Jesus’ spirit. When Jesus said, “One of you will betray me, each disciple was struck to the core of his being, and each one, horrified, asked, “Is it I, Lord?” Verse 25 quotes Judas as saying, “Surely not I Rabbi.” How absolutely chilling!
Do you ever think that we “sell out” Jesus? What about when you hear His name being used as a curse? Are you offended enough to speak up when you hear someone demeaning the name and message of your best friend Jesus? What about when you are tempted to deny His power in your life by behavior that is unbecoming for a relationship with Him?
Dear Lord, please keep me in a “Last Supper” close relationship with you so that I will not have to say, “Surely not I, Lord.”
Helen Chalifoux (2017)
Matthew 26:14-26
Please note that this day on which this passage is designated is Passover, and, of course, the setting of the story is Passover and I believe, therefore, that today is a significant anniversary. Two scenes play out simultaneously, the one being despicable treachery, and the other, a very tender and emotional last supper that Jesus and his twelve close friends are sharing together. This particular meal is meaningful in two respects; it celebrates the hasty last meal of the Israelites in slavery before they left for the freedom of the Promised Land, and, also we know, what the disciples couldn’t know, that this Passover meal with Jesus would be their last one with Him before He left for the freedom of the ultimate Promised Land. Judas, too, was at the table but, obviously, not at oneness with the others. That he had already “sold” Jesus to His enemies, the intolerant religious authorities, is mind-boggling. Judas had spent three years in close association with Jesus and had heard all his teaching. What could possibly have possessed him? Surely it couldn’t be thirty lousy pieces of silver, which he, in very short time, he tossed back at the feet of the religious officials. Is that all Jesus was worth, or, in fact, any human being? The scene juxtaposed with Judas’ treachery shows Jesus’ full awareness of the horrible events transpiring, but wanting to celebrate Passover with his beloved ones who seemed to be emotionally absorbing the depth of sadness in Jesus’ spirit. When Jesus said, “One of you will betray me, each disciple was struck to the core of his being, and each one, horrified, asked, “Is it I, Lord?” Verse 25 quotes Judas as saying, “Surely not I Rabbi.” How absolutely chilling!
Do you ever think that we “sell out” Jesus? What about when you hear His name being used as a curse? Are you offended enough to speak up when you hear someone demeaning the name and message of your best friend Jesus? What about when you are tempted to deny His power in your life by behavior that is unbecoming for a relationship with Him?
Dear Lord, please keep me in a “Last Supper” close relationship with you so that I will not have to say, “Surely not I, Lord.”
Helen Chalifoux (2017)
