Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Today’s Reading  |  Luke 22:1–38
Now the festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was near. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them. They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present.

Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it.” They asked him, “Where do you want us to make preparations for it?” “Listen,” he said to them, “when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters and say to the owner of the house, ‘The teacher asks you, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’ He will show you a large room upstairs, already furnished. Make preparations for us there.” So they went and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal. When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!” Then they began to ask one another, which one of them it could be who would do this. A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. “You are those who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. “Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” And he said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me.” He said to them, “When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “No, not a thing.” He said to them, “But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, ‘And he was counted among the lawless’; and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled.” They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” He replied, “It is enough.” (NRSV)

Reflection
Here in Luke much happens: Jesus’ death is plotted, Passover is prepared and celebrated, disciples argue over who is the best, Jesus predicts Peter’s denial, and Jesus has the disciples once again prepare for what is to come. Among so much preparation, there is time for a meal, and Jesus is insistent that this meal take place, giving clear directions to the disciples. For Jesus, celebrating this meal was a time of calm, of preparation, of remembering, and, most importantly, a time of equality. By sitting together, all are equal. Even knowing that Peter will deny Jesus and Judas will hand him over to die, Jesus sits with them as equals where they all share together and have things in common (a reference to Acts 2:44).

Jesus gives away his true nature once again at table: in the midst of his impending suffering and sacrifice, Jesus brings about the kingdom of God at the Passover table where all are equal, even in their unbelief and betrayal, and where the power of God is present in Jesus as he offers the bread and wine and himself to them. Jesus charges the disciples in verse 16, letting them know he will not partake in the meal at the table of God until they learn to serve one another. Now the responsibility is upon all those who follow Jesus, the responsibility to usher in the kingdom through service to one another.

Prayer
God, you set a table at our feet just as Jesus did for the disciples at Passover. Help us remember all the ways in which you serve us each day. Give us the guidance to serve others on a daily basis, in the hope that your kingdom might become the reality here on your beloved earth and among your created, beloved people. Amen.

Written by Shelley Donaldson, Senior High and Confirmation Youth Coordinator

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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