Day 258

It almost seems strange to write about Jesus’ last days on earth when we celebrated His first day only yesterday. I pray that you were able to keep Him central, even in the middle of the flying paper and excess calories. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with my wife, my two children and their spouses, and my five grandchildren (and an “adopted” friend of the family). 

Jesus was getting ready for the great feast of Judaism. It celebrated their birth as a nation, their exodus from Egypt. And at the same time His enemies are plotting His execution. They had fear that riots would break out and the Romans would take over control and they would lose their place in power.

While they are plotting His death, Jesus is being anointed with oil and perfume, an ancient spa treatment! He is at the house of a societal outcast. He feels right at home. Some in attendance balk at the expenditure of resources on such an expensive gesture. What a waste, they say. Jesus blesses this woman and the gesture. Sometimes wealth can be used to bless in a way that seems extravagant, but it is OK. This is the exception rather than the rule. Not many times does Jesus commend the “waste” of resources. And guys, I don’t think a boat for her fits in this category, sorry!

Judas in there and takes his final steps toward his rebellion and suicide. He tries to force Jesus’ hand. You can’t force God.

The second predicted encounter happens during this final week. This time it is to secure a place for the Passover meal in the over-crowded city of Jerusalem. The encounter happens and they make preparations. But even with all this closeness, friendship, even intimacy that Jesus shared with His disciples, Judas chose to betray Jesus. And Jesus reveals this truth in such an intimate way. He uses food and drink that is being shared as part of their sacred time together in preparation for the Passover celebration. He says that it would be better if Judas had not been born. Not much worse than not being born.

This is my body and my blood. Sharing this meal was an act of consecration of Himself and of the disciples. He is the center. Without “eating Him” there is no salvation. We can talk about exactly what Jesus meant in detail, but it is clear He calls us to share in His essence. They conclude the meal by singing together. This meal was a fairly traditional meal with many elements that were identical for hundreds of years. They shared together to remember the past intervention of God in their lives. Jesus shares the meal again letting them know that His intervention would be a game-changer.

The aloneness of Jesus during this most difficult hour surprised me. He has His best friends, His closest confidants with Him, and He is alone as He prays. He pulls away leaving the disciples to join in His vigil. They are to stay alert; He is to struggle in prayer. Their job was simple; His was close to impossible. Have you ever felt alone in the middle of a crowd? Have you ever had such turmoil in your soul that you had to just pull away by yourself? And Jesus even knows what is going to happen next. Or perhaps it is becauseHe knows what happens next that He is in such soulful turmoil.

Judas who left their last meal before it was completed returns. This is one return to which Jesus was not looking forward. Jesus knew the injustice and indignity to which He would be subjected, and yet He willing surrendered. And the betrayal happens with the symbol of intimacy: a kiss. This is perhaps the first recorded “kiss of death.” And the first recorded streaker! The streaker was probably Mark himself. Notice that he often names characters, and yet this one remains nameless. Would you want to attach your name to this?

Jesus’ enemies want to kill Him so much that they throw charges at Him hoping one will stick. The one that does is the statement connected to the Old Testament prophecy about the Messiah. Messiah will come in the clouds. They knew exactly what Jesus was claiming. He was claiming to be God.

Jesus’ enemies respond with injustice. Jesus stayed true to God; Peter betrayed Him. Jesus willingly took the beatings and indignity; Peter pushes against any suffering with words of denial and rejection of the truth. Peter was so proud that when his betrayal is complete he breaks. Tears.