Luke 22:14-23 (NRSV)
Read Luke 22:14-23 on biblegateway.com
Verse 14When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. Verse 15He said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; Verse 16for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." Verse 17Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, "Take this and divide it among yourselves; Verse 18for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." Verse 19Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." Verse 20And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.
Verse 21But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. Verse 22For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!" Verse 23Then they began to ask one another, which one of them it could be who would do this.
Devotion
As the disciples ate the bread and drank the wine Jesus had just blessed, they began to chat about recent events of their ministry together. They were a little confused as to why Jesus was acting like he was going to leave them forever. Then Jesus interrupted them and said, "The one who betrays me is with me, at this table with us, in fact." The disciples looked around at each other in shock. "Well, are you planning on betraying him?"
"No! I’m not going to do that! Would you?"
"We all have pledged our loyalty to you, Jesus; why would you accuse us of this?"
Very little has changed in the 2,000 years since this table conversation first played out. Having become human, Jesus knew the human condition quite well. We aren’t known for our faithfulness, especially in times of trial. As we prepare for Palm Sunday, may we become mindful of the ways we often pledge faithfulness but don’t actually deliver on the promise.
Prayer
Jesus, we confess that we often have good intentions we don't deliver on. Teach us to be faithful to you as you have been faithful to us. Amen