March 21 | Mark 14:12-26

by Judy Webb

On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” (Mark 14:12)

This begins a miraculous chain of events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. Jesus tells them to go into the city and follow a man carrying a jar of water into a house and then ask the owner of the house for a guest room large enough for Him and the Disciples to share the Passover. The owner showed them a room upstairs, furnished, and ready. It all played out as Jesus said. As will the next two days.

During Holy Week, as we walk the road Jesus did, remembering the suffering and pain He endured, I am reminded of the betrayal He must have felt. The betrayal of a close friend is something that is difficult to get over. I wonder, did Jesus reflect on Judas' disloyalty as he was being scourged? Did Jesus see Judas' face when he looked into the eyes of this tormentors?

Judas must have professed his love for Jesus at one time, when did that change? Or perhaps Judas was living a lie all along. What happened to cause his behavior to become so radical. It is one thing to spread a lie about another so we can feel better and more important; but to send someone to his death is another. It is irrevocable.

“When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, 'Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.'" (Mark 14:17-18)

This scenario gives me pause to ask myself, "Do my actions match my words?" Integrity is the cornerstone of civilization. When I can't be trusted to be true to my friends, I need to step back and examine my heart. Holy Week is a most perfect time to do things like this; we can reflect on Jesus' journey and take stock of our own hearts. Forgiveness is ours for the asking. Judas could have repented, begged for Jesus to forgive, and even though it would not have changed Jesus' destiny, it would have changed the future for Judas. Forgiveness will change our destiny too, whether we are asking for it or granting it to someone.

Stay alert! There is so much more to the story.

Come Lord, Jesus. Be our guide and our teacher. Purify our hearts and cleanse our thoughts to be in step with Your love. Remind us of the victory on the Cross and how it has changed us forevermore. Amen.