An Easter Reading plan – day 5
Read Mark 14:12-26
Jesus was crucified on the day after Passover, sacrificing himself as the Passover Lamb to save the world. The last supper that Jesus had with His disciples was richly woven around the Passover Feast of the Jews, and was one that Jesus had “eagerly desired” (Luke 22:15; the Greek word expresses very strong desire) to eat with His disciples. Hence the arrangements for it had an air of secrecy, lest Judas act prematurely and prevent the meal from taking place.
Jesus sent His trusted disciples Peter and John to make preparations. That prior arrangements had probably been made was indicated by the unusual sight of a man carrying a water jar (normally a task for women, Mark 14:13), who showed them the large upper room reserved for the meal. Today we continue to celebrate this meal as the Lord’s Supper, remembering our Lord’s sacrifice for us with deep gratitude.
At the meal, Jesus told the disciples that one of them would betray Him. It was most treacherous to betray a friend after having a meal with him. Dismayed, each disciple asked Jesus, “Surely not I” (Mark 14:19). We too must look inward to examine ourselves. Jesus referred to Judas without naming him, offering him a chance to repent. Jesus would be crucified to fulfil God’s plan, but Judas was responsible for his own terrible sin.
Jesus then took, blessed, broke, and gave out the bread, and also the cup. He referred to them as “my body” and “my blood” (Mark 14:22, 24). They underline for us His sacrifice on the cross, and when we receive and eat and drink, we are expressing our trust in Him (see 1 Corinthians 11:26) and are sustained by His life in us (see John 6:56). Like Jesus, we must also look up with faith and trust, and like the disciples, we look around with brotherly love as we eat the meal as the body of Christ.
Jesus then pointed to the future when He would drink with His disciples again—at the great wedding feast of the Lamb when He returns (Revelation 19:9). At the Lord’s Table, we also look forward to this day with faith-filled anticipation.
Amid measures like “social distancing” to stem the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak, how can the church continue to remember and celebrate what Jesus has done for us? What practical and innovative ways can we explore to mark Jesus’ sacrifice as fellow believers?
How can we continue to show brotherly love even when we cannot meet? How can fellow believers remain united in our faith and worship of our Lord Jesus?
Excerpted from Journey Through Mark, a part of the ‘Journey Through’ Series.
