John 13: 21-33, 36-38
What a Difference a Meal Makes
Ever have one of those family dinners? One of those family meals that was filled with silence and tension? You just knew that something bad was coming, that a difficult conversation was about to occur. And finally at some point, Mom or Dad started to talk and it was not pleasant. Maybe they just got your less than stellar report card. Maybe that one thing you never got in trouble for has finally come to light. Whatever it was, it was not a meal full of laughter and comfort.
Just yesterday Jesus shared a meal in Bethany with His dear friends Mary, Martha and Lazarus, a quiet meal filled with love and friendship. Today a much different meal takes place. Jesus gathers with His disciples to celebrate the Passover. But during that meal, He shares some very tough predictions. One of them will betray Him; Peter will deny Him, not once but 3 times. They will all desert Him and He will be put to death.
Quite a contrast in tone and atmosphere! And yet there is one thing that the two meals have in common – Jesus’ mission continued! After His meal in Bethany, Jesus still went to Jerusalem! After His Last Supper, Jesus still went to the Garden! Despite knowing what was to happen, Jesus still continued to save the world. Even today, no matter how many times we stumble and fall, no matter how often we deny Him, turn our back on Him, desert Him – He still loves us!
Let that sink in today! Jesus loves us! His mercy and forgiveness is infinite! His love endures forever!