Bible Reading: Luke 22:7-13
Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.
Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover." "Where do you want us to prepare for it?" they asked.
He replied, "As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you.
Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house,
'The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?'
He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there."
They left and found things just as Jesus had told them.
So they prepared the Passover.
A Reflection
Apart from missing meeting up with the family and of worshipping together with fellow Christians, the other thing I have really missed during the lockdowns is sitting down for a meal with a group of friends. Weather permitting, we can now meet up outside for a barbeque, and from May 17th we can hopefully entertain indoors with a small number of friends or family. Something to look forwards to.
Planning for an evening meal with friends takes time. What are we going to eat? Shall we have a starter? Does anyone have any special dietary needs? What about the wine; red or white? Who is going to tidy up and lay the table?
The preparations for the Passover meal that Jesus was to share with his disciples, and which would become known as ‘The Last Supper’ were on the one hand quite complex, being laid down by centuries of Jewish history. On the other hand, though, they were quite straightforward; there were few decisions to make, and the main course was lamb.
Arriving as visitors in Jerusalem, the nation’s capital, at the start of a major festival, it could have been difficult to find a venue for a party of thirteen. Peter and John might well have been a little stressed when Jesus asked them to go on ahead and make the preparations, but it seems Jesus had it all in hand.
It can become a bit stressful for all of us when there are plans to make and decisions to take, especially when there are a number of unknowns to allow for, or when we are moving outside our comfort zone. More so if we are planning for an important event that involves a lot of other people.
In all of the situations we face, big or small, it is good to remember that Jesus has it all in hand. Whilst he may often ask you to go outside our comfort zone, he will not ask you to do anything that you and he can’t manage together.
What situations are you facing in the coming days and weeks? What decisions might you have to make? What might God be asking you to do? In all of these remember, Jesus has it all in hand.
A Prayer
Lord, in all the plans I make and the decisions I have to make, give me your wisdom and grace, and help me to trust that you have it all in hand.
Amen
The Lord’s my Shepherd, and I will trust.
Comments