A Time of Preparation
Luke 22:8-13
8 So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it.” 9 They asked him, “Where do you want us to make preparations for it?” 10 “Listen,” he said to them, “when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters 11 and say to the owner of the house, ‘The teacher asks you, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?” ’ 12 He will show you a large room upstairs, already furnished. Make preparations for us there.” 13 So they went and found everything as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover meal.
A Time of Preparation
Before the main activities of this week that leads to the cross begins, there was a time to be together, a time to celebrate the Passover, a time to connect again as people of faith practicing their faith. It doesn’t happen easily. The tide has turned from the celebration that was loud and Hosanna filled on Palm Sunday, to a recognition that there is danger on the way for Jesus and his disciples. There are clues to notice about where the safe place might be, and people who are working to make this time together happen.
The way they prepare for the danger they see coming is different from what we might imagine if we didn’t know the story. They don’t build a fortress. They don’t stockpile weapons. They don’t run for their lives away from Jerusalem. Instead, they gather together to be filled up spiritually, to connect with each other and with God in the ways they’ve learned over a lifetime. They prepare for what comes next by remembering who and whose they are. They experience Jesus as their teacher and servant-leader one more time.
What does a time of preparation look like for us? How can we open ourselves to remembering that we are all beloved children of God?
Reflection Questions:
1) Do you have memories of times you felt filled up on your journey of faith?
2) Are there people you want to connect with this week, to let them know that they are loved?
3) What steps could lead you to be spiritually prepared for whatever comes next in your life?
Prayer: Dear God, I am thankful for all the ways you point me toward your love. In Jesus Name, Amen
