34th Day of Lent

Saturday, April 12, 2025

Luke 22:1-13, NIV

Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money. He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.

Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”

“Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked.

He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.”

They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.

Reflection - Susan L. Ross, Linfield United Church of Christ, Linfield

“Preparation” is a key theme to the Lenten season.

Knowing what was to come – betrayal, hardship, fear, pain, trust, compassion, love, and death, Jesus was specific in arranging a private, intimate time with His disciples, the Last Supper, where He would give them their last preparations for the upcoming events to unfold.

In our busy schedules, it is important to prepare and make time for significant moments. Just like finding a specific room to celebrate the Passover, we too must be proactive in preserving special times dedicated to worship, time of reflection, time of repentance, time of prayer and thanksgiving, and connection with loved ones away from the crowds and distractions around us.

Despite how well we know someone or how much we love someone, human nature, and free will make us vulnerable when we stray from the Lord’s values. When our guards are down, temptation has an entryway. The realization is that man can disappoint us; the Lord never will.

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your guidance as we face uncertainty and temptations. Thank you for Your sacrifice, Your unwavering love, and Your forgiveness. Help us stay true to Your values, heed Your voice, and listen to Your wisdom, with trust and obedience as did the disciples. Teach us to extend love, grace, and forgiveness to others as You have shown by example. Grant us strength to overcome fears, temptations, and distractions pulling us from our path. In your name, Amen.