On Preparation
Holy Wednesday
Matthew 26:14-16, Matthew 27:1-10
The Bible is fairly quiet about what the Wednesday of that week would have been like for Jesus. Being Passover week, many preparations were needed so Jerusalem and the surrounding areas would have been teeming with activity. Jesus and his disciples were staying in Bethany and their hosts would have had extensive planning, market visits, and cooking to accomplish. What must Jesus have been thinking while those around him buzzed here and there making preparations for the oldest and most revered celebration in Jewish culture?
Passover commemorates God’s deliverance of his people from slavery in Egypt. When the Israelites were enslaved, and after nine other plagues giving Pharaoh the opportunity to repent, God sent the tenth and final punishment, securing the release of his people. During this time, the Israelites were to kill a lamb or goat and spread its blood over the doorpost. This ensured that when the Angel of the Lord came, he would pass over them and their firstborn children would be spared. The Jewish people were instructed by God to forever commemorate their deliverance. And here was Jesus, making preparations for his last Passover celebration while knowing he was the ultimate Deliverer of all who would believe.
Jesus knew the hearts of everyone around him. He knew their struggles, anxieties, and fears. He knew those devoted to following the one true God with all their hearts and those simply going through the motions of tradition because it was all they knew. He was acquainted with the number of their days, and he knew those who were groaning for the Messiah. On that Wednesday, Jesus likely prioritized rest, preparation, solitude, and time with his Father, preparing for the time that would soon come.
Many scholars believe this would have also been the day Judas Iscariot was likely meeting with religious leaders. This disciple who’d spent every moment with Jesus, beheld his miracles, heard every sermon, absorbed his wisdom, and received his care was plotting a way to hand Jesus over to the very people who were looking for a way to destroy him. How could he have seen Jesus heal the lame and the blind, cast out demons, calm the sea, and raise the dead and yet betray him? How do you spend time around God in human flesh all day, every day, and still end up not really understanding who he is and what it means for you?
We know from scripture that Satan was most certainly at work in the actions of Judas Iscariot. We also know that he was seized with remorse after his wickedness. But it’s worth noting that even the other disciples didn’t fully understand who Jesus was or what it meant for them. After the death of Jesus, they were not only devastated but fearful and even hopeless. It was only when Jesus appeared to them after his resurrection and when the Holy Spirit came upon them at Pentecost that they began to fully understand who Jesus was and commit to telling everyone else the good news of the Gospel. As Peter said at Pentecost,
“Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.” Acts 2:22-24
This Holy Wednesday, let’s continue to study, learn, and seek to understand who Jesus is and what he means for us. He is Redeemer, Justifier, Restorer, Healer, Repairer, Deliverer, Pardoner, and a host of other life-transforming truths. In what ways can you seek a deeper understanding of Jesus, the words of scripture, and the implications for your life?
Jesus, you know the hearts of your people. You know my heart today. In the same way you made preparations for Passover and for obedience to your Father, give me the grace to be prepared. May I walk with purpose in your will for me and have a heart postured to respond and obey so that I may follow where you lead me. Amen
