On Readiness, Repair, & Reconciliation
Holy Tuesday
Matthew 21:23–24:51, Mark 11:20–13:37, Luke 20:1–21:36, John 12:20–38
On Tuesday morning we find Jesus and his disciples returning to Jerusalem. Greeting him there were the angry religious leaders who were offended that Jesus claimed to have spiritual authority. They made a plan to band together to confront and arrest Jesus but relented due to their fear of the crowds who were still amazed by him. The words of Jesus regarding these religious leaders were especially pointed and critical of their misuse of their power and authority. “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” Luke 20:46-47
Jesus cares greatly for the hearts of those who’ve dedicated their lives to ministry and who represent spiritual authority. Humility and service to others will be the hallmarks of purity in spiritual leadership. But I’ve often wondered how the 2024 version of Jesus’ warning would read. Maybe: Beware of the leaders who like to walk around being noticed, who want everyone to know who they are, who want special treatment and special perks, and who miss the actual spiritual work of ministry because they’re so busy appearing spiritual. They will be held accountable. Whew.
Jesus then left the city and went with his disciples to the Mount of Olives where he gave an extended teaching known as the Olivet Discourse. Speaking in parables, as was his custom, Jesus prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem, the latter days, and God’s ultimate plan for Israel. By the accounts in all four gospels, Holy Tuesday was anything but serene. Jesus seemingly used every moment to not only rebuke religious leaders, but equip his disciples with what they’d need to know before the events of Friday unfolded. Though Jesus was not in a hurry, he certainly had an urgency to tell the truth, call out deception, awaken his followers, and adjust their perspectives from the temporal to the eternal.
Jesus knew what was waiting for him. He knew why he’d come to earth, and he’d spent three years preparing his disciples for these days. Perhaps this gives some context around the directive of Jesus to the people: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” Matthew 24:42-44
This warning from Jesus is reiterated several times by New Testament writers and it has never been more urgent than it is for us today. As we prepare our hearts to celebrate what we know Sunday will bring, it’s worth taking an inventory of our own souls to ensure we are ready when we see Jesus face to face.
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. I Peter 1:13
On Holy Tuesday, we see Jesus ensuring his followers know the importance of readying themselves for his return. Reflect on your own readiness today. Ask the Holy Spirit if any relationship in your life needs repair, forgiveness, or reconciliation. Is there an area of your life that isn’t alert and fully sober? Ask God for any next right steps he’d have you take.
Jesus, if we knew exactly when you were coming back, it would certainly inform the way we live today. So give us the grace to live that way anyway… ready and reconciled to those you reveal to us. As far as it depends on us, may we be at peace with everyone and live eagerly awaiting your return.
