Experience Easter: Joining Jesus’ JourneySample

This painting is of Jesus and his disciples in the Upper Room, having the Passover meal the night before Jesus was crucified. The artist, Sieger Koder, depicts the Last Supper from Jesus’ point of view. In His one hand, Jesus is holding the cup of wine, and in the other He has the bread. He is looking out at the table, surrounded by His friends. Some disciples are looking at Jesus with love in their eyes, others look concerned. You can see confusion and fear, one or two even appear a bit sleepy or disinterested. And in the top right hand corner, Jesus can see Judas slipping out the room. 

1. Imagine you’re in Jesus’s seat.

Imagine you’ve just told your closest friends that you’re about to die, and one of them is going to betray you. 

What would you hope their response would be?

How does it feel to say it out loud? 

Think for a minute what this must have been like for Jesus.  After all Jesus has taught His disciples in sermons and parables, even after washing their feet, they still argue about who is the greatest. Maybe Judas wasn’t the only one that betrayed Jesus that night.

How does it make you feel, as you listen to them arguing about who is the best among them? 

Do you feel disappointed? 

Already betrayed by the one who snuck out, maybe now let down by more than one? 

Do you feel frustrated that they still don’t understand and you’re about to leave them? 

Do you feel sorry for them?

Prayer:

Jesus, even amongst Your closest friends You were often misunderstood, and You knew what it was to be discouraged by those around You. Even after three years of miracles and teachings, they didn’t understand what Your core message was - to lay down Your life as a servant of all. Please show me where I have missed something important that You may want me to understand. God, when I am disappointed by the people I care about, or feel misunderstood, help me respond the way You did, with compassion and grace and forgiveness.  I open my heart to Your influence and guidance now. 

Amen.