Lamentations 2:10-18
Psalms 102, 142, 143
1 Corinthians 10:14-17, 11:27-32
Mark 14:12-25
Let’s imagine that we are at the Last Supper. The disciples are gathered around Jesus, quietly conversing. They reach across the table to dip their bread, their hands brushing against each other’s hands, sharing the same bowl with him. The mood is solemn, yet comfortable and familiar. It is the holy ritual of the Passover feast that they have celebrated all their lives.
Then, into this sacred space, at this most intimate and holy meal, and in the midst of this perfect sacrifice, comes the stain of betrayal. “One of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.”
We hear these words and a dreadful sorrow overcomes us. We begin to feel the weight of our own failings, our own shortcomings, our own doubts. We ask with some uncertainty, “Surely, not I?” If this betrayal is possible, where is our refuge?
Our refuge is in his perfect sacrifice. Because in the same night that Jesus was betrayed, he took the bread and blessed it, and gave it to them … and to us. In the same night that Jesus was betrayed he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them … and to us. In the same night, the ultimate betrayal and the ultimate forgiveness happened simultaneously!
I come before the Lord in my brokenness, in humility and faith, in the hope of God’s grace and forgiveness. Amen.
