Scripture: Matthew 26:1-2
When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”
Thought for the Day: It almost sounds as if Jesus offered these comments as a passing thought. “Oh by the way, I’m going to be executed later this week. Would someone pass the mustard?” Within the scriptures, we often don’t find the reaction of the people or a discussion of the larger context. We must always be cautious not to read into the passage an idea, conclusion or a personal feeling that is not there. At the same time, it is okay to ask the question, “I wonder how the disciples reacted to those comments,” while always admitting that our ideas are conjecture…nothing more. With that said, I picture the disciples flustered by these ideas. The road they thought they were on didn’t end with an execution, but a coronation. Maybe there was some anxiety among a few who, for the first time, began to question whether their commitment to this Jesus would lead to their own demise. Others might have been squirming in their seats. Even though there is no mention of the disciples’ response, I can only imagine the discussion was lively…and probably ended with Jesus telling a parable that both comforted and challenged. He had a way of doing that.
Prayer: I shall listen to your spirit, O Gracious God, as it inspires my imagination with the questions of faith. Amen.
TONIGHT – THURSDAY
Maundy Thursday Service
7pm in the Forum
