Readings for today: Matthew 26:1-5, 14-35, Mark 14:1-2, 10-31, Luke 22:1-38, John 13
For me, one of the most powerful places to visit in the Holy Land is the Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu. Located outside the Old City of Jerusalem on the eastern slope of Mount Zion, it is built over the site of the home of Caiaphas, the high priest. It is built on multiple levels and the lowest level includes a stone cellar where it is highly likely Jesus spent the night after his trial. I remember descending the stairs down into the cellar, standing where Jesus Himself potentially stood, and praying a Psalm of Lament Jesus potentially prayed. It was one of the most moving experiences of my life. Then I ascended the stairs out of the cellar that empty into a courtyard. The same courtyard mentioned in our reading for today. The same courtyard where the chief priests and elders of the people gathered to decide Jesus’ fate. The same courtyard where Peter would deny his Lord. Again, I was moved to tears taking it all in.
The events we are reading are not legends or myths or stories made up by the disciples. They are real events that took place within real history. Humanity putting God on trial. Humanity conspiring against God to arrest Him, betray Him, and ultimately kill Him. Humanity doing exactly what Jesus Himself predicted. Killing the Son of God, the rightful Heir to all creation, in order to try to steal His inheritance. It reminds us that sin not only leads to brokenness but open rebellion. We are guilty not just of poor judgment and bad decisions but of sedition and treason.
Another important aspect to this story is the timing of when it takes place. It happens during the Festival of Unleavened Bread, right before the Passover. Jesus sets a table for Himself and His disciples to celebrate the annual feast. However, He switches things up and infuses the meal with new meaning by talking about His body and His blood. Given and shed for the forgiveness of sins. Offered as a sacrifice in order to save humanity from the power of sin and death. The disciples don’t really understand what He’s talking about. He talks about them all falling away and one of them betraying Him but they don’t really get it. Jesus is prepping them for what’s to come. Even giving them a new commandment to serve one another in the days and years ahead.
What do we take away from our reading today? Hopefully, the reality of what Jesus did for us is begins to sink in. The depth of our rebellion swallowed by the even greater depths of His grace. The extent of our pride and arrogance and hunger for power exceeded by the even greater reach of His love. The brokenness of sin in our lives made whole by His sacrifice on the cross in our place. It’s the greatest story ever told. The greatest act ever performed. The greatest event in world history. And He did it for you. He did it for me. Praise Jesus!
Readings for tomorrow: John 14-17