Chapter Twenty-Two Sunday, December 19, 2010 The Fourth Sunday of Advent
When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And 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 again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” Luke 22:14-16
The table was set. The deed was about to be done. Jesus was on the verge of betrayal as he came to the Passover meal in the upper room. He was eager to eat with his followers and to spend this sacred time together.
In a moment he would take the cup and give thanks to God. Then he would offer a word of thanksgiving for the bread and share it with the disciples. Within minutes of that sacred moment, the disciples would quarrel about their own personal importance. Then Peter would declare his undying loyalty only to learn about his own betrayal of Christ. Then, the meal was over.
Ultimately, Jesus would return to the Mount of Olives ‘as usual’ to rest and pray. He asked his closest friends to wait and watch. They chose to fall asleep. Then the soldiers came with swords drawn. Judas betrayed the identity of Jesus with a kiss, and Peter denied that he ever knew the Lord. At daybreak Jesus was standing before the chief priests as he revealed his true identity as the Son of God.
From sundown to dawn, it had been day that would not soon be forgotten.
As we wait and watch for the celebration of Christmas, I wonder, can you see yourself in this ten- hour snapshot? Has Jesus ever invited you to the table? Have you ever been bold in your faith? Have you ever denied that you know him? Did you fall asleep when the Lord invited you to wait and watch? Where are you in the story of the Living Lord? Take some time to reflect on one of the days that shook the world for eternity!
It is a joy to share worship with you on this day!
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