Wednesday of Holy Week – Farewell Command
Scripture: John 13:31-38
When Judas was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Human One has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify the Human One in himself and will glorify him immediately. Little children, I’m with you for a little while longer. You will look for me—but, just as I told the Jewish leaders, I also tell you now—‘Where I’m going, you can’t come.’ I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other. This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.” Simon Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you can’t follow me now, but you will follow later.” Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I’ll give up my life for you.” Jesus replied, “Will you give up your life for me? I assure you that you will deny me three times before the rooster crows.”
Thought for the Day: Years ago, I sat with a family in a small living room. The centerpiece of the space was a hospice bed where the 67 year old father would spend the last few weeks of his life. He was a bit gruff and crotchety, though I had learned that these were his usual traits. We were planning his memorial service, and he wanted everyone to be there and have a voice…though again, he was a bit cantankerous and told more than one of his kids that their ideas were stupid. It caught me off-guard, though, when out of the blue there was a very tender moment. He asked his kids to be good to one another and look out for one another. “I haven’t set the best example, but hopefully you can do a better job,” he told them. His kids, from their mid-20’s to early 40’s, heard his comments in the best way possible, and they assured him that they would do their best. It was a bit difficult to hear this dying man, who had been less than nice to his kids, tell them to love – I’ve got to think it was even more difficult for Jesus to tell his followers to love another. These folks would not be there for him in his difficult moment, yet the coming rejection did not keep him from loving them and inspiring them to love one another.
Prayer: Lord, no matter the future before me, keep me committed to sharing your love and reminding others to do the same. Amen.
TODAY
Final John Study
Noon & 6:30pm
THURSDAY
Maunday Thursday Service
7:00pm
FRIDAY
Good Friday Service
7:00pm
