WATCHWORD:
25 Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. 26 Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die do you believe this? John 11: 25-26
1 The Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is also called Passover, was approaching. 2 The leading priests and teachers of religious law were plotting how to kill Jesus, but they were afraid of the people’s reaction. 3 Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, 4 and he went to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them. 5 They were delighted, and they promised to give him money. 6 So he agreed and began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest him when the crowds weren’t around. Luke 22:1-6
Meditation:
Holy Wednesday
Wednesday of Holy Week. Jesus and his disciples remain in Bethany. The previous days have been exhausting and this was a day of rest, welcomed by all. Later in the day, Jesus attends a dinner at the home of Simon the Leper. It is here that a woman, some believe was Mary, the sister of Lazarus, anoints Jesus using a flask of fragrant nard. Nard was an expensive substance used in burial rights, a foretelling of Jesus death and burial. It is during this time that Judas took the final step in his betrayal of Jesus. That is why this Wednesday is often called “Spy Wednesday”.
Think about this: beginning well into his final weeks of ministry along the Jordan river and into Jericho, the crowds had been building so that by the time they arrived in Bethany, on the day before Palm Sunday, there was a large following. By Wednesday, the crowds were thinning out, and some were beginning to wonder when will this miracle worker step up and act like a king? Even the disciples were getting a little edgy, wondering when their master would act.
Have you ever reached the point in your walk with Christ where doubts crept in? Perhaps you wondered who was this Jesus, really, this deity I pray to, this spirit that I talk with, the Savior that I called to in times of trouble? Have you ever cried out to Jesus to take away these elements of doubt, and to give you a clean heart, totally surrendered to the Lord? We humans are frail and our firm resolve and belief at any given moment is likely to weaken if we do not seek the strength of the Lord, daily, maybe even minute by minute. Never under estimate the power of prayer and conversation with your Lord.
May this time of Lent reinforce your faith and total commitment to the almighty God through Jesus Christ our Lord and savior. Amen.
Prayer for Holy Wednesday:
Lord, as You were heading toward Your crucifixion, You could have easily withdrawn from other people. Instead, You stayed with old friends in Bethany, took part in a dinner they made for You, and used their surprising generosity as a moment to teach and comfort others. You made time for Your community in the most challenging time of Your life. Help me take time for my community when I’m tempted to withdraw. Show me how to engage with the people You have brought into my life, to be a blessed presence in their lives. I pray in Your name. Amen
