November 10, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

Luke 22 - Luke speaks of Judas' agreement with the chief priests and scribes to betray Jesus to them.  Jesus had two of His disciples prepare for the Passover meal to be held in an upper room.  During the Lord's Supper Jesus made clear that Judas was there at the time of the serving of the meal, verse 21.  Though Judas' betrayal would be sad there was another incident recorded in verse 24 that kind of baffles our minds.  It was the disciples, after just having the Lord's Supper, engaging in a "popularity contest" as to which one of them was the greatest!  You will read of Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.  One note I wish to bring to you is the incident of Jesus "sweating blood" in verse 44.  Please note the wording, "...Then His sweat was like great drops of blood falling down to the ground."  It does NOT say that the sweat was blood.  It says the sweat fell like blood would fall, perhaps causing a "plopping sound" as it hit the ground.  I personally do not believe that Jesus shed any blood in the Garden!  That would happen at the cross.

John 13 - During the Last Supper Jesus would do something that startled His disciples.  He would wash their feet, verse 5 and following!  Peter argued against this at first but then realized it was important for Jesus to do this.  Jesus made a statement in verse 13 that His disciples call Him "Lord" and He agreed with them.  They should!  (But note John 15:15.  There Jesus will call His disciples "friends"!  In John 13:34,35 Jesus makes clear how His disciples should be recognized by the world.  They would love each other as Jesus loved them!  Are we doing that?