In The Word
Read: Luke 22:1-13
Preparing the Passover
22 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was approaching. 2 And the chief priests and the scribes were trying to find a way to put Him to death, since they were afraid of the people.
3 And Satan entered Judas, the one called Iscariot, who belonged to the number of the twelve. 4 And he left and discussed with the chief priests and officers how he was to betray Him to them. 5 And they were delighted, and agreed to give him money. 6 And so he consented, and began looking for a good opportunity to betray Him to them away from the crowd.
7 Now the first day of Unleavened Bread came, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 And so Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, so that we may eat it.” 9 They said to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare it?” 10 And He said to them, “When you have entered the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you; follow him into the house that he enters. 11 And you shall say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”’ 12 And he will show you a large, furnished upstairs room; prepare it there.” 13 And they left and found everything just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
The Passover feast was approaching, which was a celebration of when the angel of death went through Egypt. The angel killed all of the firstborn sons in Egypt but passed over the Israelites that had marked their doorposts with the blood of a lamb. The religious leaders were scheming how to kill Jesus without causing an uprising among the people who admired Jesus. Their dilemma was solved when Judas, influenced by Satan, came to them with a plan to betray Jesus. How surprising that these men were planning history’s greatest crime during Israel’s holiest celebration. While Judas and the religious leaders were plotting Jesus’s demise, Jesus had the disciples prepare for their last supper together.
The events that were about to occur with Jesus were established by the Father and written down centuries earlier by prophets. Even knowing cruel punishment and death awaited Him, Jesus “was determined to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). Why would He do this? So that the plan of God would be complete so mankind, meaning you and me, would be saved!
Jesus taught the disciples, “You will be hated by all because of My name,” but, “by your endurance you will gain your lives” (Luke 21:17-19). We will face difficulty, persecution, even betrayal during our time on earth. But like Jesus, we should not give up; we should press on to carry out God’s plans for our lives. If you are facing opposition, strengthen yourself in the Spirit. Find strength through the Word and prayer to endure and not give up on God’s mission!