Luke 22:21–23

Luke 22:21-23 

English Standard Version 

  One thing that's always fascinated me about this scene is the disciples debate which of them it might be who would betray Jesus.  In other words, they're not even sure themselves that they aren't capable of such actions.  

  What does that say about how well they know their hearts?  They recognize the way that evil nips at their heels, the way that temptation can break even the strongest man if it catches him in a weak moment.  Jesus has taught them well, and they know their weakness.  Who might it be?  It could be anyone, even in this moment.

  May we recognize our own weakness.  There but for the grace of God go I.  And may we give thanks for the healing grace of Christ that can redeem us.  

Luke 22:14–20

Luke 22:14-20 

English Standard Version 

  If you were Jesus, would you be eagerly desiring to eat this meal?  Or would your stomach be churning from what you know is coming?  I'd be so distracted by fear that I wouldn't be able to concentrate.

  And yet Jesus is there, physically and emotionally present, savoring the time with the disciples.  Must is about to be lost, but that is the future, and in this moment, Jesus is at the table, giving a gift to the disciples.

  Salvation begins with Jesus coming to us, sitting with us, redeeming us.  It's about his presence with us, a calm anchor in the midst of a storm.  He is grace, and we are to receive.  He takes simple elements and transforms them, just as he transforms us through his words.  

  Friends, you are beloved.  Christ comes to you, sits down in your presence, no matter what is coming in the morning, and he savors time with you.  May our anxious hearts be calmed, and may we give thanks for the way that he transforms the simple into the holy.

Internet Security and the Gospel

Luke 22:7–13

Luke 22:7-13 

English Standard Version 

  This Sunday, we'll celebrate communion, re-enacting parts of this final dinner.  Two thousand years later, we observe the ritual, we remember, and we are changed by it.

  Do you think that Peter and John realized the significance of their actions?  Do you think that they expected people in central Ohio to be paying attention to their actions centuries later?  Or do you think they went through the motions and wondered what Jesus was doing?

  We don't always know what actions will last.  What will leave an impression?  I'm willing to be that there are words that were said to you by someone, or actions that were undertaken, that no one expected to resonate, but that you remember decades later.  I bet you've had impacts on people through words or deeds that may not have truly registered at the time.  God can do amazing things through us, but that doesn't mean that we're always fully aware of the weight of what we're doing.

  So may we be thoughtful and patient, and may we act with great care, in the event that God is working through us to impact the lives of those around us.