Maundy Thursday

Today, Jesus eats His last meal on earth - that is the celebration that is going on around the world. Tomorrow, Jesus will be murdered.  Sunday Jesus will be resurrected.  Today is known as Maundy Thursday. The twelve men that surrounded Jesus while He was on earth had no idea what was coming. They were reclining at a table, enjoying conversation, food and wine. They were looking forward to the Passover celebration and I would think they were glad to be in Jerusalem with their Rabbi. Slowly, gradually yet suddenly, things began to change. Jesus took some bread and wine from the dinner table and told them that the bread was His body and the wine was His blood. He told them that He would not eat the bread nor drink the cup again until He did so with them in His Father's Kingdom (Matt. 26:26-29). I wonder how strange that sounded to them. At the end of dinner together Jesus takes a basin and fills it with water. This is very odd to first century people in Israel. The Rabbi does not do this. I can imagine the silent whispers and confused thoughts as He girded his waist with a large piece of cloth. When He stooped down and began washing the first disciples feet, I suppose the disciples were shocked. You can read the whole account of Jesus washing the disciples feet in John 13:1-17. To bring more confusion and a darker hue to their lives, Jesus again predicts His betrayal (John 13:18-20) and eventual death. Jesus then begins a long conversation with His disciples about what is about to take place, how they should respond, what will happen in the future (John 14-16). Jesus then prays a prayer that could take you the rest of your life to study, learn and live out(John 17). It all began with a meal together like any other evening. I'm sure that today is a day like most others in your life. As you think about tonight's meal and this weekend's events, you probably do not see much confusion or surprise - just like the disciples some 2000 years ago. But I believe that Jesus does want to surprise you, to use us for great things, to rock your world with His power, His presence and His persuasion. Would you like your evening or weekend rocked with some surprises from Jesus? Allow me to suggest that you spend a few moments in quiet, listening to the voice of God, asking Him what He has to say to you. Maybe you have never 'heard' from God before. Maybe you have tried and wonder if God really cares about you. Maybe, just maybe in your silence, you will hear His voice. It may be quiet. It may come through the Bible. It may speak or yet, whisper to your soul. You may feel His presence...His power...His persuasion towards action. One thing I'm convinced of, Jesus wants to walk with you, surprise you, transform you and bless you all the days of your life. For that to happen, we must be spending time with Jesus. The disciples spent time with Jesus and He rocked their world. I know He wants to rock your world too. Over and over and over again - slowly, gradually yet suddenly. Worship Him today!