Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
March 29, 2024
Mark 14:12-26
12 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was sacrificed, the disciples said to Jesus, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover meal?” 13 He sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city. A man carrying a water jar will meet you. Follow him. 14 Wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The teacher asks, “Where is my guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?” ’ 15 He will show you a large room upstairs already furnished. Prepare for us there.” 16 The disciples left, came into the city, found everything just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover meal. 17 That evening, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. 18 During the meal, Jesus said, “I assure you that one of you will betray me—someone eating with me.” 19 Deeply saddened, they asked him, one by one, “It’s not me, is it?” 20 Jesus answered, “It’s one of the Twelve, one who is dipping bread with me into this bowl. 21 The Human One goes to his death just as it is written about him. But how terrible it is for that person who betrays the Human One! It would have been better for him if he had never been born.” 22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 He took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 I assure you that I won’t drink wine again until that day when I drink it in a new way in God’s kingdom.” 26 After singing songs of praise, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Good Morning! Were you there when they crucified, my Lord?
How can you imagine the unimaginable? Despite everything Jesus has just shared with the disciples, they sing songs of praise before going to the Mount of Olives. Jesus knows exactly what is about to happen, yet he sings songs of praise. The disciples are very unsure of what will happen next, but they sing songs of praise.
What is Jesus’ “why”? Why would he continue to spend time with his disciples, who he knows will betray him, fall asleep when he needs them most, hide, and deny knowing him? Why? because Jesus loves them and loves us. Jesus’ love is authentic love that knows no bounds. This love is in contrast to the pretend love that we read yesterday in Romans 12.
Still, how can they or we sing songs of praise when everything is wrong? “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12
The events of Good Friday are beyond horrific, yet Jesus continues to show love and teach us until he breathes his last breath. Hallelujah to the Prince of Peace.
Gracious God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. Jesus, our Savior loves us so much that he endures unimaginable pain to save us. We thank you! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Through Christ’s love, we can overcome the pain of betrayal.
Be joyful, patient, and faithful! Pastor Liz
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