“The disciples . . . found things just as Jesus had told them.”
MARK 14:16
The upper room . . .
In all of history, has there ever been another evening spent with so much on the line for so many?
Think of it.
To begin with, Jesus made it known that one of the twelve was a traitor. That, in itself, provided an evening’s worth of drama, but it was just one of many dynamics that took place that night.
Jesus predicted that Peter would deny knowing Him. Tough, honest words of warning were spoken directly to him, but his blustering self-confidence fooled no one but himself, ultimately setting him up for failure when his hour of temptation came.
John’s Gospel informs us that, in addition to foot washing, Jesus took this occasion to teach his disciples about the Holy Spirit and fruitfulness, as well as to encourage them to love one another. With all the other emotions that were swirling around the room, it’s remarkable how Jesus was still able to minister and disciple.
Luke tells us that while the disciples were trying to figure out who the traitor was, “a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be the greatest.” Jesus was quickly forced to put out the fire, teaching that humble service is what God seeks and values.
Somehow, in the middle of the relational mess, Jesus, “eagerly desiring to eat the Passover,” took the cup and the bread during the course of the meal and reminded His disciples of God’s ongoing provision for His people against sin.
Perhaps most dramatically, just hours from His suffering and death, the ultimate example of God’s provision was there in that room among them, selflessly serving them – the only One who was qualified to pay the necessary price to reconcile God and man.
Aaron Kleist will be preaching this Sunday from this amazing passage of Scripture. What a challenge! Yet, what a promise it holds for our faith!
Be praying that your heart will join in the dynamics of that upper room, and that just as the disciples were fed that night, your own soul will be fed by our living Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
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