WATCHWORD:
17 In the evening Jesus arrived with the Twelve. 18 As they were at the table eating, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, one of you eating with me here will betray me.” 19 Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, “Am I the one?” 20 He replied, “It is one of you twelve who is eating from this bowl with me. 21 For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!” Mark 14:17-21
19 He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people, an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you. Luke 22:19-20
Meditation:
Jesus on Maundy Thursday
When it was evening, Jesus, while at table with the Twelve, said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for I tell you, I shall not eat it again until there is fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” And while they were eating, Jesus took bread; He said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them saying, “Take and eat; This is My body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of Me. Then he took the cup; gave thanks and gave it to them saying, “Drink from this all of you; This is My Blood of the covenant; which will be shed for you, and for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
The meal was over, it was late, and Jesus led his disciples through the east gate, the Golden Gate, down the Kidron Valley and across the Qidron Stream and into the Garden of Gethsemane. He told His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” And He took Peter, James and John with Him, and began to be grieved and distressed. He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.” Later He would pray to the Father, “If it is your will, let this cup pass from my lips.”
(Based on Biblical facts from sources including Matthew, Isaiah, and the historic writings of Josephus.)
Barabbas on Maundy Thursday
KISHLE PRISON, THE CITADEL, JERUSALEM. Barabbas sat in prison, his tunic torn and blood-stained. It was early morning. The cell was dark, dirty, and cold. The air was thick with the acrid smell of prisoners, past. He stood, and moved about the small space, his chains rattling, the irons cutting deep into his ankles. He was angry and shouted curses against Rome, Herod, the guards, even the zealots.
Now, his thoughts turned to Shania, alone in their home with their young son, trying to absorb the tragic news, and wondering, without him, what would she do? No good will come from this, for her, or for the boy, he told himself. No good at all! Tears came. Why had he not listened to her? She was always the calm, sensible and wise one, while he had been the opposite; an impulsive fool!
In a heartbeat, his remorse turned to fear. Cold, hard, unrelenting fear. Fear of death. Fear of the slow, agonizing death on a cross. He sobbed, deep, heart-rending sobs. Then, from deep within, came the shouted cry: God help me!
Little did he know that both he and Jesus were making the same plea for help to the Father.
(An excerpt from Stan Escott’s novel A Life for Barabbas, based on Biblical facts and a general understanding of human nature.)
If You Missed a Day:
Here are the earlier Watchwords for Holy Week:
Palm Sunday – https://bosworth30.com/watchword/palm-sunday/
Holy Week Monday – https://bosworth30.com/watchword/holy-week-monday/
Holy Week Tuesday – https://bosworth30.com/watchword/holy-week-tuesday/
Holy Week Wednesday – https://bosworth30.com/watchword/holy-wednesday/
Prayer of Surrender:
Heavenly Father. How often have we prayed to you to let this cup of difficulty, this cup of sadness, this cup of illness and inconvenience pass from us. How often, Lord, have you answered our prayers in ways that we did not always recognize. Forgive us our rebellion and open our hearts in gratitude for all the graces that you have given us. We know, Lord, that we create our own prisons and we feel the chains of our behaviors biting into our ankles and we have pleaded with you to give us relief, to save us. Help us, Lord, to see that our help comes from following you who created heaven and earth and every bit of our lives. We are your children and you are our Father. Loose our chains and draw us closer to you. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
