After - Day 4
Holy Wednesday
The Bible doesn't say what the Lord did on the Wednesday of Passion Week. Scholars speculate that after two exhausting days in Jerusalem, Jesus and his disciples spent this day resting in Bethany in anticipation of Passover.
What do you think you would do knowing that you had just upset the apple cart of faith for your people and that you were about to sacrifice everything for these people in the next few days? I would have taken a spa day if I could! (A spa day is taking some freedom with the text, but still, it seems like an excellent way to relax).
Just a short time previously, Jesus had revealed to the disciples, and the world, that he had power over death by raising Lazarus from the grave. After seeing this incredible miracle, many people in Bethany believed that Jesus was the Son of God and put their faith in him. Also, in Bethany, just a few nights earlier, Lazarus' sister Mary had lovingly anointed the feet of Jesus with expensive perfume. Therefore, Bethany was a place that might have seemed like a good respite for Jesus and his disciples.
If you have ever been to Bethany, you know it is not that far from Jerusalem. Still, it is just a bit over the Mount of Olives and far enough away from the city to find some rest from everything that had happened.
In some ways, Jesus was Sabbathing on that day. He was relaxing with friends and with the ones that he loved. He loved the ones so much that he would raise one of them from the grave.
What do you think you would do knowing that you had just upset the apple cart of faith for your people and that you were about to sacrifice everything for these people in the next few days? I would have taken a spa day if I could! (A spa day is taking some freedom with the text, but still, it seems like an excellent way to relax).
Just a short time previously, Jesus had revealed to the disciples, and the world, that he had power over death by raising Lazarus from the grave. After seeing this incredible miracle, many people in Bethany believed that Jesus was the Son of God and put their faith in him. Also, in Bethany, just a few nights earlier, Lazarus' sister Mary had lovingly anointed the feet of Jesus with expensive perfume. Therefore, Bethany was a place that might have seemed like a good respite for Jesus and his disciples.
If you have ever been to Bethany, you know it is not that far from Jerusalem. Still, it is just a bit over the Mount of Olives and far enough away from the city to find some rest from everything that had happened.
In some ways, Jesus was Sabbathing on that day. He was relaxing with friends and with the ones that he loved. He loved the ones so much that he would raise one of them from the grave.
- When do you need time to relax and find respite from what God has called you to do?
- Do you think that Jesus wasted this time?
- How would you have spent your time in that last week?
- What would you do with your time if you knew you had just a few days to live?
1 Comment
I never considered the fact that Jesus knew that His death was coming soon. I figured the whole weekend took Him by surprise thinking he didn't know the exact day or hour but as I think more deeply about it I realize that He was in close communion with the Father so He might have had an inkling