Wednesday, April 1st
Bible Passages: Luke 22:1-6; Luke 9:23-25; Psalm 23
By: James Quarles
If you’re like me, you have a to-do list that tends to end up longer at the end of the day than when you started and a proneness to constantly look ahead to what’s next, even when you’ve been going non-stop. I could easily imagine Jesus’ disciples in this mindset the week of Passover.
In a week of well-recorded hustle and bustle surrounding the climax of Jesus’ ministry during the most significant festival on the Jewish calendar, the Gospel writers give us lots of information about what Jesus and His disciples were up to. From traveling to Jerusalem, to the triumphal entry, to teaching before crowds, to flipping tables in the temple, and controversy with the chief priests, the first half of the week was filled with fireworks. You could imagine them wearing out the phrase, “What’s going to happen next?…” It all seemed to be coming to a head.
And yet, for all the details we’re given of the surrounding days, there’s no record of public teaching, miracles, or crowds on Wednesday. For each of the disciples except Judas, who was busy making a deal to turn Jesus over to those who planned to kill him, it seems it was a day of relative rest and time with Jesus.
While Jesus approached his violent death, no doubt praying for strength to accomplish his purpose, the disciples were probably filled with many questions as they pondered the things Jesus had taught and done in the days and weeks before. It was the last “normal” day they would have with Him. And while maybe not “rest” as we tend to think of it in the sense of kicking up one's feet and relaxing, it was biblical rest – spending time with the Lord, focusing on His works and will, and trusting that He has a plan and is in control.
This week, there’s plenty to be busy with: work, commitments, appointments, caring for family, making Easter plans, and so on.
Today, instead of jumping straight into thinking about or doing what’s next, try sitting in the Lord’s presence and meditating on His Word so you’ll be ready to take up your own cross and follow Him.
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