Maundy Thursday

So much happens as we fast approach Friday -the Last Supper, Washing of the Feet and Gethsemane. My Jerusalem Holy Week diary records how on that evening we went to St. George's Cathedral for communion and foot washing with  Christians from all over the world. (I still have the order of service). The Palestinian bishop spoke about what happens above the table (as we received bread and wine) and what happens under the table (as he washed the feet of others at the front).  Fellowship, worship and service. Then they led a procession in silence to Gethsemane.  The massive city walls loomed above us as we gathered in small groups among the olive trees.  In the darkness we could not see each other clearly.  One member of the group said: 'Is that why Judas had to give Jesus a kiss because they couldn't see clearly in the dark?

Gethsemane reveals so much.  Yesterday we saw his pain at betrayal.  Here Jesus is racked again by sorrow and trouble.  With three close friends nearby he is overwhelmed by sadness. Turning to them he says: Stay here and keep watch with me. I find that amazing. That Jesus needs them. In this crisis as he faces his own death he needs friends. He really needs them.  Tragically, when they fail Jesus by falling asleep we hear the poignant: Couldn't you keep watch with me for one hour? With me, one hour.  He is wrestling to do His Father's will, the battle of Calvary before Calvary, with sweat like great drops of blood and at this critical time for Jesus they fail lamentably.  Three times.

Discipleship involves a two-way relationship. And though they fail him Jesus will never fail them. He understands how difficult it is to watch and pray.  Without anger or irritation he says "Rise, let us go".
One writer put it:  'Our Lord always wins for us the opposite of what he suffered. He was bound that we might go free. He was made sin, that we might be forgiven. He died that we might live. He endured the not answering of his prayer that our prayers might find an answer. And we can add: He was lonely that we may never again be lonely.

Lord, I know how difficult it is to watch and pray. I fail you often.  Please help me today to remember your courageous obedience in the garden that won the opposite of what you suffered for me.