Remembering the Story:

A Devotional Guide for Holy Week--2013

Monday:  The Last Supper:  Fussing at the Table

Did you ever notice that most of the events in Holy Week take place during the end of the week?  For this reason, the readings and the reflections in this Devotional Guide will not always correspond directly with the days in which the events took place.  The stories have been spread out to give you something to reflect upon every day.

Sing:    Come, sinners to the gospel feast, let every soul be Jesus’ guest. 

Ye need not one be left behind, for God hath bid all humankind.

“Come, Sinners, to the Gospel Feast”—words by Charles Wesley.  Hymn No. 616 in The United Methodist Hymnal.

Read:  Luke 22:1-34

Reflect on the Biblical Story:

The disciples were fussing at the table.

Jesus had just finished serving the meal that had transformed a sacred Jewish tradition into the banquet that would shape Christian worship forever.  During that meal, his closest friends were arguing.  Jesus had just told them that one of them was a traitor, and they argued among themselves over who the traitor might be (see Luke 22:23).  They also argued over which of them would be regarded as the greatest (v. 24).  Their finger-pointing and their prideful arguing underscored the brokenness of humankind for which Christ died. 

“The one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table” (v. 21).  Those were chilling words.  I wonder how Judas felt as he sat there at the table.  When the disciples started arguing over who the betrayer might be, did Judas join in the argument, pointing an accusatory finger towards one of his friends, in order to divert attention away from himself?  He had been so careful to this point.  He had watched for his opportunity to sneak away for his meeting with the chief priests and officers of the temple police to discuss how he might betray Jesus (v. 4).  The Temple officials were “greatly pleased” (Luke 22:5) and they came to terms quickly concerning the price.  Everything had gone, thus far, just as he had planned. 

Did Judas really think he could avoid being caught?  Or did he count on Jesus remaining passive, turning the other cheek, and refusing to return evil for evil? 

We do know, however, that Judas continued his deception within the group, and then he went out into the night.  Jesus did not stop him.  The depth of Jesus’ mercy meant that he would not interfere with Judas’ plan, because, as He announced to the arguing disciples, “I am among you as one who serves” (v. 27).  If the other disciples knew what Jesus and Judas both knew about what would take place later that night, who would dare to argue about who would be greatest in the kingdom?

Reflect on Your Story:

1.      Have you ever found yourself having to conceal your plans from someone?  It may have been something as simple as keeping from your boss the steps that you were taking to look for a new job.  Perhaps it was more serious—undermining someone so you could advance your own position.  How did you feel?  Did you get caught in your deception?  How did your relationships change?  Was there any hope for reconciliation?

2.      Luke says in 22:3 that Satan had entered into Judas.  Did Judas have any choice in the matter?  Could Judas have chosen otherwise?  Are there ways that we betray Jesus, as well?  How do you fight those impulses?

3.      When you come to Christ’s table to receive Holy Communion, you bring your human weaknesses with you; yet Christ invites you to His table anyway.  How does this affect your understanding of God’s mercy and grace?

Sing:    Depth of mercy!  Can there be mercy still reserved for me?

Can my God his wrath forbear, me, the chief of sinners, spare?

“Depth of Mercy”—word by Charles Wesley.  Hymn No. 355 in The United Methodist Hymnal.

Pray:    Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

                        The “Jesus Prayer,” from the Orthodox tradition.