Nougat 10

Passover festivities began last week and I invite us to reflect on that very special Passover for the next few days. Has God ever provided you with a very special moment before troubles began? Do you recall being ‘warned’ about an event before it happened – whether good or bad? If so, you’ll relate easily to Today’s Holy Nougat

“When the time came, Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table. Jesus said, “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

According to John’s gospel, the disciples had shared in at least two other Passover feasts with Jesus. But none of the other feasts seem to have been as significant as this. Even the events leading up to this point were noteworthy. Regardless of whose version of the story we read/hear, the disciples are given instructions to follow the man (with the pitcher) to a specific location (see Luke 22, Mark 14, and Matthew 26), where the table for the first day’s Feast of the Unleavened Bread would have already been prepared. And, as Jesus indicated, so it was.

That may not have been an entirely strange occurrence – Jesus might have made arrangements prior – his comment in Luke was definitely noteworthy. Why, oh WHY, would Jesus be excited about a Passover feast? As far as the disciples were concerned, it was just another feast, another Passover.

But it was not.

Jesus’ next words confirm that truly this one would have been different. For Jesus was repeating a prophetic word He had uttered (see Matthew 16), but with more urgency. Jesus wished a blessed moment prior to His suffering. He was not being negative, but pragmatic. In fact, one could argue that Jesus sought to provide the disciples with one final positive memory before tragedy struck … and He did. There was more to this particular meal than a positive memory; and the series of events which followed devolved so rapidly, it is a wonder that we do get remember that special Passover.

We remember as though we were there, and we celebrate, for we know how that story ended. Thanks be to God, we know that even at our roughest moments, there is Someone Who desires to ensure that we are prepared and Who will feast with us before the worst. May we cherish good memories and find the blessings and lessons within.

—

May all we seek be found in Christ