Passover: The Last Supper

Today is the night Jesus shared his last meal with the Disciples.  He "served" as their King, washing their dirty, dusty, foul smell, sand and feces ridden feet.  It is the night Judas betrayed Jesus.  It is the night Jesus prayed in the garden. He prayed for this cup to pass from Him.  He prayed, he begged, not to die.  Yet, being fully God, He knew His fate.  But, He still prayed.  He set our example.

The "activity" for today was to prepare a Passover meal.  Earlier this week I decided to punt this activity--for several reasons.  Not the least of which is I haven't ever cooked Lamb before.  Ironically, had I planned to do dinner tonight, I must confess, it would not have happened.  Today, life happened instead.  We didn't get much "teaching" or instruction done on the Last Supper today.  Emma developed some horrific cough yesterday, which has prohibited sleep for the past 24 hours.  After instructions from the Dr. to disinfect everything, set up the humidifier, drink lots of fluids (potty lots too) and call back in the morning (with the hope of deciphering whether the culprit is a cold or allergies), I was pooped and Emma was, well, acting like a 2 year old on speed from the lack of sleep.

So, Lord, forgive me today.  But thank you for your AMAZING GRACE and provisions--including Nana's who come over to provide moments of sanity, husbands who pick up where I leave off, and a relaxing evening--even if we didn't make it to Maundy Thursday communion.  

Emma and I did, however, talk some about Jesus' sacrifice for us and His love for His friends.  We also read the Passover story from the Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones.  If you don't have it and you have kids, you should check it out. I was moved by the story of the Last Supper.  It reads (in part):

Then Jesus picked up some bread and broke it.  He gave it to his friends.  He picked up a cup of wine and thanked God for it.  He poured it out and shared it.

"My body is like this bread.  It will break."  Jesus told them.  "This cup of wine is like my blood.  It will pour out."

"But this is how God will rescue the whole world.  My life will break and God's broken world will mend.  My heart will tear apart--and your hearts will heal.  Just as the passover lamb dies, so now I will die instead of you.  My blood will wash away all of your sins.  And you'll be clean on the inside--in your hearts."

"So whenever you eat and drink, remember,"  Jesus said, "I've rescued you!"

Jesus knew it was nearly time for him to leave the world and to go back to God.

"I won't be with you long." he said.  "You are going to be very sad.  But God's Helper will come.  And then you'll be filled up with a FOREVER HAPPINESS THAT WON'T EVER LEAVE.  So don't be afraid.  YOU ARE MY FRIENDS AND I LOVE YOU."

What an amazing gift and such a remarkable way to tell the greatest story of Love and of a King rescuing his Bride to young children.  What it must have been like to know that He was going to face the most excruciating pain and suffering and to love us, His people, so much to take it on AND counsel them through the grief--giving them the HOPE of the Holy Spirit.  

What a night of prayer followed. Lord, may we all pray with such conviction and faith, thankful for your divine plan and willing to conform to your Holy Will.