Pastor's Weekly Musing
Hey everyone!
So, it's the Thursday before Resurrection Sunday. We know Jesus was on the cross by Friday morning, so the previous day, particularly late into the evening, was packed with huge events that we still recognize and think about today.
First, the Table of the Lord. Christ took the Passover meal and showed the disciples how it all pointed to Him -- His body and blood shed on the cross for us. Just an unreal moment. We still partake of this Table today.
Second, Judas is outed. What an intense moment. Jesus reveals that someone sitting at the table will betray Him. Not knowing who, but also not wanting to ask, Peter nods to John, imploring him to ask Jesus. Judas is revealed, and off he runs. It'll only be a few hours later that he does the deed.
Third, Peter's denial is predicted. After all the disciples swear their allegiance to Christ, Peter ramps it up, claiming that "even if everyone else falls away, I never will." Jesus warns him that he'll do exactly that, before the morning even comes.
Fourth, Jesus teaches and prays for the disciples. He makes some landmark statements: how He is "the way, the truth, and the life", He promises another "Helper, the Holy Spirit", He says He is "the vine and we are the branches", and He promises that "in this world you will have trouble, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." He even prays for us, for future believers, that we would be united in our love for Him and each other. Huge parts of the faith are revealed and relished in this teaching.
But maybe the most impressive -- if not flat-out impossible -- acts of Christ on this fateful day, was when He got on the ground, took out a bowl and wash-rag, and decided to wash the feet of a dozen men. Just grueling, ugly, time-consuming work. He did that. On this night. He'll be on the cross by morning, and His last act of ministry and care was to scrub the dirty feet of twelve grown men.
He tells them why He did it: "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13:14-15)
The fact that He would humble Himself to this degree -- the night before He'd be dead -- is incredible. Think about it: He washed Judas' feet. There's no indication He waited until after Judas left to start the washing, although I wouldn't have blamed Him one bit if He did. He loves and cares for those who would freely reject Him, and He still does to this day.
But He also shows us the way to live, how to be like Him. He tells us to emulate Him by being a servant to all -- that THAT'S the way to greatness in the Kingdom of God. Paul reiterates this in his letter to the Philippians, when he writes, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." (Phil 2:3-4)
This Thursday, as we prepare to celebrate the greatest event in human history, let's make humility and servant-hood a part of the preparation and celebration. You're being the most like Christ when you are a humble servant.
Amen?
So, it's the Thursday before Resurrection Sunday. We know Jesus was on the cross by Friday morning, so the previous day, particularly late into the evening, was packed with huge events that we still recognize and think about today.
First, the Table of the Lord. Christ took the Passover meal and showed the disciples how it all pointed to Him -- His body and blood shed on the cross for us. Just an unreal moment. We still partake of this Table today.
Second, Judas is outed. What an intense moment. Jesus reveals that someone sitting at the table will betray Him. Not knowing who, but also not wanting to ask, Peter nods to John, imploring him to ask Jesus. Judas is revealed, and off he runs. It'll only be a few hours later that he does the deed.
Third, Peter's denial is predicted. After all the disciples swear their allegiance to Christ, Peter ramps it up, claiming that "even if everyone else falls away, I never will." Jesus warns him that he'll do exactly that, before the morning even comes.
Fourth, Jesus teaches and prays for the disciples. He makes some landmark statements: how He is "the way, the truth, and the life", He promises another "Helper, the Holy Spirit", He says He is "the vine and we are the branches", and He promises that "in this world you will have trouble, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." He even prays for us, for future believers, that we would be united in our love for Him and each other. Huge parts of the faith are revealed and relished in this teaching.
But maybe the most impressive -- if not flat-out impossible -- acts of Christ on this fateful day, was when He got on the ground, took out a bowl and wash-rag, and decided to wash the feet of a dozen men. Just grueling, ugly, time-consuming work. He did that. On this night. He'll be on the cross by morning, and His last act of ministry and care was to scrub the dirty feet of twelve grown men.
He tells them why He did it: "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13:14-15)
The fact that He would humble Himself to this degree -- the night before He'd be dead -- is incredible. Think about it: He washed Judas' feet. There's no indication He waited until after Judas left to start the washing, although I wouldn't have blamed Him one bit if He did. He loves and cares for those who would freely reject Him, and He still does to this day.
But He also shows us the way to live, how to be like Him. He tells us to emulate Him by being a servant to all -- that THAT'S the way to greatness in the Kingdom of God. Paul reiterates this in his letter to the Philippians, when he writes, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." (Phil 2:3-4)
This Thursday, as we prepare to celebrate the greatest event in human history, let's make humility and servant-hood a part of the preparation and celebration. You're being the most like Christ when you are a humble servant.
Amen?
__________________________________________________
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES:
This Sunday, April 17: EASTER SUNDAY!
RESURRECTION Sunday is coming! To make sure we have plenty of space, we will have THREE (3!) services this year:
8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 AM
All three services will have full Kids Church and nursery, as well as our world-famous donuts. And oh yeah, we'll sing praises and preach the Gospel!
Sunday, April 24: Family Sunday + Baptisms/Dedications + TACOS!
There's only a few slots left, so sign up today!
Want to get baptized? Click HERE.
Want to dedicate your baby? Click HERE.
Want to eat tacos? Show up!
Sunday, May 1: SQUARE ONE
Interested in becoming a member? Or just want to hear a little more about Meadows and your pastors? Square One is the perfect place to start.
This conference is where we lay it all out there: our doctrine, our philosophy, our strategies, our personal stories, the works. It ends with the opportunity to become a member. Click HERE to register.
This Sunday, April 17: EASTER SUNDAY!
RESURRECTION Sunday is coming! To make sure we have plenty of space, we will have THREE (3!) services this year:
8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 AM
All three services will have full Kids Church and nursery, as well as our world-famous donuts. And oh yeah, we'll sing praises and preach the Gospel!
Sunday, April 24: Family Sunday + Baptisms/Dedications + TACOS!
There's only a few slots left, so sign up today!
Want to get baptized? Click HERE.
Want to dedicate your baby? Click HERE.
Want to eat tacos? Show up!
Sunday, May 1: SQUARE ONE
Interested in becoming a member? Or just want to hear a little more about Meadows and your pastors? Square One is the perfect place to start.
This conference is where we lay it all out there: our doctrine, our philosophy, our strategies, our personal stories, the works. It ends with the opportunity to become a member. Click HERE to register.
__________________________________________________
This Sunday, we'll conclude our Easter series: FIRST RESPONDERS.
We know Mary Magdalene was there first, the "Apostle to the Apostles." The "One whom Jesus loved" was there next, John. This Sunday, we'll look at the third person to the tomb on that fateful morning.
Let's celebrate the greatest day in history together!
Join us for Part 3 - Peter.
Looking forward to seeing you all on the walkway!
Pastor Ronnie
We know Mary Magdalene was there first, the "Apostle to the Apostles." The "One whom Jesus loved" was there next, John. This Sunday, we'll look at the third person to the tomb on that fateful morning.
Let's celebrate the greatest day in history together!
Join us for Part 3 - Peter.
Looking forward to seeing you all on the walkway!
Pastor Ronnie
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