DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Surprise
by Mary Alice McGinnis
Do you like surprises? Or are you a person that prefers the predictable?
When I was a child, I snooped around in my parent’s bedroom closet to find my Christmas presents.
One year, several weeks before Christmas, I found my unwrapped present and I was so excited to see the beautiful gift they had picked out just for me.
But when Christmas day arrived and we opened our presents, I was disappointed. Knowing the surprise spoiled all the anticipation and excitement.
Now in my adult years, my JOY comes more from GIVING surprises than receiving them. I think God is the same. Because nothing is a surprise to God.
Today’s reading begins, “They found things just as Jesus had told them.”
Jesus already knew what was ahead for Him. He knew every detail of where they would celebrate the Passover. He knew that Judas would betray Him. He knew that this rag tag bunch would fight among themselves to prove their own self-worth. All the while, He knew all the disciples would flee and desert Him. He knew ALL He was about to suffer.
During this Passover meal, Jesus said some things that caught the disciples totally by surprise.
As He broke the bread, He said: “This is My body GIVEN FOR YOU.”
As He lifted the cup of wine, He said: “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out FOR YOU.”
What surprising words these must have been! These words of Jesus would become reality the very next day on Good Friday. His body was broken and given for YOU and me. His blood was poured out FOR YOU and me. He gave these extraordinary gifts for the likes of His rag tag disciples, and for you and me. We, who have betrayed Him. We, who are too caught up with our own self-seeking agendas. We, who go about our superficial lives, totally unaware of the beautiful, surprising love that Jesus lavishes upon us.
Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He had nothing to prove. All power and authority was at His fingertips. He was given the Kingdom by His Father. Yet instead of using all His power and authority to exalt Himself, He laid it down and took up being a servant. He bled and died so He could bestow on us the most surprising, extraordinary gift – a life with Him in His Kingdom for all eternity.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank You that nothing is a surprise to You. When we are tempted to try to figure things out, help us to rest in Your all-powerful and amazing love for us. When we find ourselves striving to prop up our puny self-esteem, lead us to look upon the sacrifice You made for us. You gave Your body and blood for us. You held nothing back. Thank you for the surprising gift of life with You in Your Kingdom, beginning now and for eternity.
