Scripture: Mark 14: 12-25
12 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” 13 So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. 14 Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15 He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished, and ready. Make preparations for us there.”
16 The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So, they prepared the Passover. 17 When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. 18 While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.” 19 They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, “Surely you don’t mean me?” 20 “It is one of the Twelve,” he replied, “one who dips bread into the bowl with me. 21 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” 22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” 23 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it.
24 “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. 25 “Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
Today's Meditation:
Jesus is near the end of his earthly ministry. Passover is quickly approaching, and Jesus sends only two of his disciples to make preparations and gives them somewhat cryptic instructions on how they will need to accomplish this. Much ink has been spilled as to why only two disciples were told about the locations and details of this Passover meal, but it seemed necessary as betrayal and treachery were soon to happen, and Jesus needed time to be with and give his last words to the Twelve.
Reflect: How does your freedom in Jesus Christ affect your attitude and approach to life?
Prayer:
Loving God, you initiated the real meaning of freedom. Because of Jesus and his life and death and resurrection, I am now free to live into the person you created me to be. May my life and service to you be always of gratitude to this gift. Amen.
Jesse G. Mabanglo