Luke 22:1-46
I don't know what to say today. There are quite a number of things taking place and even those who were there don't seem to know what is going on.
We did read that the people in power were afraid of Jesus' following. That they might lose some or all of their own power. Too bad for them, I think.
It is enough for us to notice that these verses say that Satan entered into Judas in order to find a way to betray him. Later we notice that Jesus says 'pray you will not enter into temptation.' This should be our own earnest prayer. And it probably should be daily. Since here we see that Judas has been among the guys all along and part of the small group who has been close and listening regularly to what Jesus said and taught and yet, in the end it just says that Satan entered into him. This change of spirit-change of heart-change of leadership and focus could happen to anyone who wasn't watching and praying against the occurrence.
However in the middle of these things we have Jesus directing his crew to go and prepare the Passover meal. We know of this anniversary meal of remembrance that the Jews celebrate in thanksgiving for their deliverance during the period of the Egyptian slavery. So we can understand what the beginning of this meal is about. How interesting that Jesus had a place all ready-and yet they were with him all along. How he found the time to have whatever conversations were necessary to make arrangements is one we can ponder. It is cool anyway that just as he described, it was accomplished.
Now during this meal we hear Jesus say that his is the blood of the covenant. We have read about all these things; the covenant with Abraham, and with Noah, and the blood of the unblemished lamb used to mark the people of Israel so the angel of the Lord will pass over their household...but now this blood is from Jesus. That is what he says. He also says someone will betray him...and they start arguing. Yup, I can see that. "WHO?" they ask. Not me-I really love him, I wouldn't do anything like that...and so on into the next discussion of if it isn't me, I can prove it because I am going to be the most important in this new kingdom...and on and on.
It is interesting that Jesus asks them about when he sent them out with no money or extra sandals-and they respond that they always had enough. Good reminder for them-and for us of course. And in the end Jesus prays fervently, earnestly: with passion! I once had a terrible head ache and was out with family while traveling. It was so bad I thought I would be sick and so I excused myself from the table. I went and prayed very earnestly because I didn't know what else to do. Amazingly the headache went away and I wasn't sick. A friend remarked that it is a wonder we don't pray with that intensity more often.
That is the difference between a normal prayer-time and this prayer-time that is described for Jesus. He poured his whole being into it. Not always do we have the necessity or the time for such fervent prayer, but it is something to remember; there is a difference between casual prayer and full-on committed prayer. We need to make time for this second type of prayer along with our everyday ordinary prayer. "That we may not enter into temptation." And like Jesus remember to ask that the Father's will be done and His plan accomplished, even if it isn't what we wish. God has a bigger view and knows what really needs to be accomplished. It is for us to join Him in that plan.
Amen. See you tomorrow.
-maggie
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