THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Maundy Thursday, March 28, 2024

Lord, after the “Last Supper” on that Maundy Thursday of Holy Week, you and your disciples retired to the Garden of Gethsemane to rest and reflect on the meaning of the Passover season. With everyone having a full tummy, staying awake became a challenge. You asked three of your sleepy-headed disciples to come aside and join you in prayer. However, they succumbed to slumber, so you stole away to spend time with your heavenly Father. The tranquility was short lived.

You heard them coming from afar. You knew why they came. A contingent of Roman soldiers, Temple guards and various lowlifes were led by your wayward follower, Judas. Outnumbered, you stood between the mob and your disciples, and asked them a simple question: “Who are you looking for?”

Huffing and puffing, threatening violence, they demanded, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

Without hesitation, you established who was in charge here. Your answer demonstrated they didn’t know who they were messing with. “I AM he,” you replied. Scripture describes when you spoke your divine name, “I AM,” the entire mob fell to the ground. At the mention of your name, they were unable to rise until you allowed them to.

You must have thought, “Okay, guys. You see what kind of power I have. I’m in control here. Not you.”

Lying on the ground, humiliated, how much did this mob contemplate the power of your name?

“Now, let’s try this again, guys,” you said, allowing them to rise. “Who are you looking for?”

“Jesus of Nazareth,” their now humbled leader haltingly said. (John 18:1–9)

Despite having divine power, you allowed yourself to be treated as a criminal, bound and taken way. Jesus, you had the power to stop this illegal seizure, yet you didn’t as this was all part of God’s plan for man’s redemption.  (continued)