Today is Maundy Thursday. As you feel led, visit this passage regarding the Last Supper and meditate upon it.
I can never read this passage without thinking about how often I have disappointed Christ. And no matter how much I deny it, no matter how much I wish I were perfect, I am not. I will wretchedly and miserably betray Him again.
And yet He forgives.
I am nothing without Him.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, grant us thy peace.
Matthew 26:17-30 (KJV)
17 Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?
18 And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.
19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.
20 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
21 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?
23 And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.
24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.
30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
Writers Groups
Did it all feel hollow
against the fall of night?
Was it hard to swallow
even the smallest bite?
When He went to dip the bread
with he who would betray,
did He want to flee instead,
just up and run away
across the bright Judean hills,
now gaily clothed for spring,
put aside His Father’s will,
like David, dance and sing
to the sheep, surprised, a-bleat,
and not think of what He had to meet?
Wow, Andrew … this is one of your best. Thank you!
Pam, I am so honoured! Thank you!
Beautiful and deep. I love these thought-provoking words, Andrew. (I always enjoy reading what you post, but this stands out.)
Jaime, thank you so much for this.
And yet He forgives …
The beauty of those words and that truth take my breath away when I really ponder them.
Thank you, Tamela!
Amen! I’m constantly reminded that my sins helped nail him to the cross…and yet he forgives.
Thank you for sharing. This truth humbles me. Jesus died for my sins. I am grateful that He loved us so much that he gave His life for us all.
Thank you, Tamela. It is so good to pause and remember that in the midst of our failure, His love is unshakable and powerful to save.
Thank you Tamela. The reflections I’ve had of Jesus’ sacrifice this year have been more meaningful than in awhile, perhaps because of the turmoil in the world, also recently interring my mother’s ashes in a very sweet time together (she passed two years ago, at the beginning of our lockdowns).
I too fail my Lord often; and as you say, He continues to forgive and restore. I’m so very grateful!
Thank you. Happy Easter – He is Risen!
Thank for your sharing. Your essay has soothed me a lot during these stressful days. Yes, we know that no matter what happens, God is there and he still listens and forgives us.