WATCHWORD:
14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:14-19
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” John 13:34
Meditation:
Roads: Part 2
This meditation is not about the Jericho Road, or the road we are on, it is about who is journeying on these roads.
Let me share with you an imperfect event/time line for Jesus during a month leading up to the Resurrection. As you consider this, imagine you are walking with Jesus, step by step, in sandals, over rough and hilly terrain, through the Jordan River, twice, and the Yarmuk. You have been in Bethsaida, where you witnessed the feeding of the 5,000. He is on a 125-mile journey of ministry through the ten cities of the Decapolis and on south to Jerusalem.
As he journeyed, more and more people followed. As you walk along, you watch Jesus. It seems that this is an almost a casual walk; He pauses, with smiles and little touches, as He ministers, heals, and speaks plainly about love and compassion. You realize that He is showing you how to Love others.
At some point, Jesus knows He is traveling to Jerusalem for Passover. And, of course, He knows what else awaits Him there.
Gadara, approximately 30 miles from the southern-most city of Decapolis, Jesus, His disciples and the large gathering of followers, stop here, on a hillside to rest and the spend the night. It is here that you witness another miracle, 4,000 are fed, according to Matthew 15 and Mark 8.
For three days you walk on, to Jericho, on the Jordan River. There, Jesus and his disciples dine and spend the night with Zacchaeus, the dishonest tax collector. You opt for the Royal Inn. In the morning, the taxman and his family have been changed. (Luke 19)
Jesus pauses at Elisha Springs and restores sight to Bartimaeus, who had been blind since birth. (Mark 10)
Then you begin the climb, up Jericho Road, 17 rough miles to Bethany.
Three days later, Jesus and His disciples arrive at the home of Martha and Mary. Here Jesus restores life to their brother, Lazarus. (John 11)
The next day, Palm Sunday, you stand in awe, as Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey. (John 12) He is viewed as a threat to the established order of Judaism. The plotting begins.
Jesus cleanses the Temple. (Matthew 21) Further enrages the Sadducees.
Jesus and His disciples return to Bethany to the home of Simon the leper (Mark 14), and it is here that Mary anointed Jesus with valuable perfume. (Matthew 26, Mark 14, John 12) Later they all return to Jerusalem, for supper in the upper room.
Last Supper, the Wednesday before Passover. (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, John 1) You partake of the wine and bread our Lord hands you, and tears form.
Maundy Thursday. Praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. The betrayal, the arrest, the trial, the beating. Peter’s denials. A really bad day.
Good Friday. Barabbas freed. Jesus to the Cross. You stand on Calvary, bewildered, and shaken. The first day.
Holy Saturday. The day of rest. The day decreed by God as a day of rest. The second day.
The third day, Easter. He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! And so are we.
Think of Jesus’ journey as a parable, another lesson from our Lord. A lesson where He leads us, step by step through, every mile of His journey, knowing full well what lay at the end. All the way through this journey He ministered in love to others. He showed love to others. Healed others. And, then, we are told to go and do likewise. Our likewise might look a little different from what Jesus showed us, but it is the same lesson, Love. Reaching out to others, touching them with calls and cards, touching their very hearts. Telling them, they are not alone. We are there, with them, with Jesus. It’s exactly what Jesus would have us do. Go and do Likewise. We are blessed, to be a blessing. Amen.
© Stan Escott 2020
Closing Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you that you make all things new. Thank you for the victory and power in your Name. Thank you that you hold the keys over death, that, by your power, Jesus was raised from the grave, paving the way for us to have new life with you. Thank you that you had a plan, that you made a way.
We confess our need for you…fresh…new…again. We ask that you renew our hearts, minds, and lives, for the days ahead. We pray for your refreshing over us.
Keep your words of truth planted firm within us, help us to keep focused on what is pure and right, give us the power to be obedient to your word.
And when the enemy reminds us where we have been, hissing his lies and attacks our way, we trust that your voice speaks louder and stronger, reminding us we are safe with you and that your purposes and plans will not fail.
We ask that you will be our defense and rear guard, keeping our way clear, removing the obstacles, and covering the pitfalls. Lord, lead us on your level ground.
Shine your light in us, through us, over us. May we make a difference in this world, for your glory and purposes. Set your way before us. May all your plans succeed. Help us to reflect your peace and hope to a world that so desperately needs your presence and healing.
Thank you, God, for your indescribable gift of our Resurrected lives! To you be glory and honor, forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
