Luke 22:14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table.
Jesus knows what is coming. He knows that Judas will betray Him and the disciples will abandon Him. And yet He says to them at this Passover meal, this literal last supper, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” He *knows* the faults and missteps of these people, what it means for Him and for them, and yet, He *eagerly desires* to eat the Passover meal *with them* before He *suffers* (emphasis mine).
Luke 22:15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.
Commentary calls His actions “Such love and intimacy.” Hymns ask “What kind of love is this that gave itself for me?” Jesus says, “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37). I can’t even fathom love that eagerly desires a last meal with people who will betray me and turn their backs on me, and Jesus says, “I have set you an example that you should go and do as I have done” (John 13:15).
Luke 22:19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
Lord, My pride bucks at what You are calling me to do—love people who are fallible and weak, who will and have betrayed me, who aren’t nice, aren’t lovable, aren’t worthy of love in my opinion. And even as I bristle and squirm at this ask, I know You do this for me. Every. Single. Day. Help me to get over myself. Help me to surrender my pride and to love Your people, not because they are worthy, but because You are. Thank You for loving me, even though I don’t deserve it. Amen.
Luke 22:20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
Have a blessed day.
Your devotion yesterday and today has blessed me so. I am continually overwhelmed at how HE meets us in such a timely fashion with what we need. Yesterday, I took great care in crafting my response, only to accidently delete it as I typed in my email address. I had so many thoughts about our unworthiness and HIS grace. Obviously, messaging from my cell phone was not intended, but I carried HIS message that you shared throughout the day. Some time ago, Cody and I shared the story with children at Bible School. We were overwhelmed with the privilege of washing lots of little stinky feet. It was but a glimpse of a much greater picture. We were blessed and reminded of HIS gift in our own unworthiness.
Today, I am once again reminded of who HE is and the magnitude of what HE wants to share with others through each of us. Love unconditionally, regardless of who we are and who we see. Oh, my prayer is continually, “Let me see what YOU see in others. Let it never be about me…but YOU, LORD. And, if there is something – a word or a deed – that I need to do, help be to be an obedient listener.” And, even as I write these things, I am confronted with my own failings and frailty. I am thankful for HIS grace and mercy. Have a blessed day.