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Thursday, April 1, 2010

The Last Night

(Mark 4)

Jesus had one night left to live. He could have spent it alone, or with his family, or doing any number of things that people consider doing when they know the end is near. Instead he spent the night with 12 friends, eating one more meal together.

Jesus has one last shot at teaching his disciples, at reviewing them on the most important things they will need to know. So what does he tell them?
1. That somebody will betray him
2. He swears that he will eat with them again.
3. He commands his disciples to continue with an action (Lord's Supper) so that they will be reminded of his presence while he is gone. Sort of like sending a photo of yourself with your kid when they go stay with Grandma so they won't be lonely.

Tonight for the first time I really heard that. Jesus, God Himself, is saying that even if he is betrayed, he will remain faithful and will continue that relationship with his people. It's one more time reiterating the Old Testament promise, "I will be your God, and you will be my people."

The events of the night turned from bad to worse. He began by confronting a friend who was considering betraying him and ended up being arrested and abused. There are so many facets of this story that intrigue me, but for now I just want to be reminded of the promise of reunion. Someday Jesus Christ - who paid for my sin - will sit at a table with me face to face, and all things broken will be made new.

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