“do as I have done … do in remembrance … your will be done”
The final night of Jesus’ life included a vast swing of emotions as He served his friends, celebrated a Passover meal, then was abandoned by those same friends.
As Jesus stooped in front of His disicples and cleaned their dust-crusted, calloused and smelly feet, He probably looked lovingly into their eyes and said “do as I have done” (John 13:15) as He set the example to serve others. They might have been embarrassed at Jesus’ actions, yet a short while later some would argue who was the greatest among them.
As the oil lamps flickered during dinner the disciples sensed things were about to become dark as night. As they ate the bitter herbs, horseradish, unleaven bread and drank the wine like their ancestors did the night God freed them from Egyptian slavery, Jesus talked about deliverance into the long awaited Kingdom of God. Even though He wouldn’t dine with them until that time, they should still celebrate in “remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19).
Confused at what was about to happen one by one they swore allegience to Jesus. Peter even declared that he would never leave Jesus and would even follow Him to death. Enter the crowing rooster...
Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, His disciples walked behind whispering to one another what would happen next. The grove where Jesus would often retreat to reflect and pray was the final place to seek comfort from, and yes appeal to the Father – “take this cup from Me”. The sweet scent of freshly pressed olives was turning into a foul stench of the scourging and death that Jesus knew lay ahead for Him. While his friends slept, Jesus wept. He was in such anguish knowing the brutal pain that was fast approaching, that drops of blood oozed out as sweat (called hematidrosis). Yet He knew this was God’s plan to offer forgiveness of sins and eternal life to all mankind – through the sacrifice of His perfect Son.
I pray as you reflect on the final hours of Jesus’ life that you will be thankful for what He went through for you. If you are facing a time of loneliness, confusion or afraid for the future – cry out to God in Jesus’ Name and trust that He has a plan to give you peace. His Will Be Done!
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