Thursday

Today is a big day in Jerusalem - Passover begins at sunset and much preparation is required. We need to find a location suitable for 12 disciples and their teacher, slaughter and roast a Passover lamb, set out the unleavened bread and wine, and prepare bitter herbs with a sauce made of dried fruit, vinegar, wine and spices. It would be easy to get anxious about all that must be done.

Peter and John ask Jesus about Passover preparation and He sends them into Jerusalem to a privately-owned, large upper room which is fully furnished. Peter and John spend the day preparing for this evening's special occasion.

Once the disciples gather for the evening, Jesus begins by saying He has "...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 22:15-16)

This statement is truly remarkable: even though Jesus knows the full weight of all that is coming tomorrow, He says He has been really looking forwad to celebrating Passover with His disciples. John explains that the reason Jesus wanted to celebrate with them is to make sure they understand "the full extent of His love." (John 13:1)

Jesus dedicates the Passover evening the making sure the disciples understand the full exten of His love for them. How does He do it? There are at least seven ways...
1. Jesus loved His disciples by teaching them to serve others. As they began to eat, Jesus "...got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, ...poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples' feet" (John 13:4-5) Jesus, their Master and Lord, served them by taking on the role of a common household servant - washing the feet of the guests. To make sure they get the point, Jesus explains "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13:14-15)

Luke's account of the evening implies that the foot washing occurred while the disciples were engaged in a debate about who would be the greatest in the Kingdom. Jesus' object lesson in serving others provides the clear answer: the greatest in the Kingdom is the one who serves.

2. Jesus loved His disciples by giving them a power ritual for remembering Him and for anticipating His future return. We are still using this ritual some 2000 years later (The Lord's Supper).


3. Jesus loved His disciples by preparing them to deal wtih personal failure. He explained the coming betrayal (Judas) and denial (Peter) in advance so that the prophetic fulfillment of these traumatic events would strengthen their faith in Him.

4. Jesus loved His disciples by promising to prepare a place for them in the Father's House of many rooms. He also explained that He is the only way to get there: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

5. Jesus loved His disciples by presenting a vine and branch metaphor to help them understand that, even in His absence, intimate fellowship with Him is not only possible, it is essential. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

6. Jesus loved His disciples by promising to send a Comforter - one who will come along side to help them (Chap 16). This Comforter, the Holy Spirit, would continue leading them into knowledge of the truth.

7. Jesus loved His disciples by interceding for them in prayer, setting the pattern for his ongoing function as intercessor for them, and for us! (Chap 17)

In seven powerful ways Jesus demonstrates His deep and abiding love for His friends. But His most compelling demonstration of His love is what is coming tomorrow. As he explained "Greater love hath no one than this, that he lay down His life for His friends. You are my friends..." (John 15:13-14)