Wednesday Passion Week
From scripture the best we can tell Jesus did not make a personal appearance on Wednesday. He perhaps was preparing himself for a very trying next couple of days. He had been exalted, He had cleansed the temple. Excitement, Joy, Anger, Righteous Indignation. Jesus showed it all in just a few days. But next would come the true trials.
The trial of knowing that one of His closest advisors will betray Him, but serving him anyway. The trial of knowing that His right hand man would deny Him in the midst of His greatest trial, but washing his feet anyway. Probably knowing that after the resurrection Thomas would doubt Him, but eating with him and serving him anyway. Knowing they would all cut and run and yet Jesus is sitting there teaching them, serving them, and having deep personal fellowship with them. Are these the guys you want to do ministry with?
Truth…people will let us all down sometime. Greater truth…we have let others down at sometime. Jesus gave us a good example. When people let us down we love them anyway. Easter always reminds me that I have failed Him often, yet he loves me anyway. Imagine the impact on the world if we could catch that same attitude.
Two years ago I stood at the empty tomb in a garden in Jerusalem and served communion to our traveling companions. I cried as the realization hit me that for the first 20 years of my life people told me I was no good, useless, would end up in prison or worse and yet Jesus went to the cross for me, He rose for me, He ascended for me and today He intercedes for me! Amazing Love How Can it Be?
