Lenten Devotional: Wednesday, 3/19/2008

Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” - Luke 22:8

This particular Passover meal was an especially important one to Jesus; he wanted to share it with his disciples, those closest to him in his everyday life. Thinking about this and Jesus’ request for preparation made me think of family times like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and birthdays when we want everything to be special – but we often, at least I do, find ourselves procrastinating when to comes to preparation for the event. I can even remember one Christmas when the host part of the family called everyone to the table laden with all kinds of delectable foods, only to realize that they had forgotten to PURCHASE the turkey!
In the days and weeks before special events we often think like Scarlett O’Hara and plan to do it “tomorrow”. Preparing “tomorrow” may be alright and even afford a few good laughs and a family joke for many holidays to come, but we need to be much more intentional and prepare today for the time when we hope to sit at the table with Jesus.

Are we prepared as we go through this Lenten Season, approaching the most significant of all holidays – the days during which Jesus prepared himself and his disciples – He washed their feet to show his love. They were probably like us, ready to eat and would have skipped the foot-washing (not necessarily indicating that they understood what was happening or what Jesus had tried to teach). He could have called the whole thing off right then, recognizing that they were not properly prepared for the sacred event – But, instead he ate the Passover meal with them and continued on his journey that would lead him to a rugged cross to die for all our sins.

Are we prepared?

By B.L. & S.L.