The Passion – Part 1

Pastor Kimber asked if I would share my interpretation of the Passion story for the week of Easter. I’ve started with Luke 22 14:71. Look for more this coming week.

This is the story of the last supper and how Jesus was subsequently betrayed by Judas and Peter and brought to be blindfolded, beaten and insulted.

What am I thinking about this?

It’s difficult to interpret passages that I’ve heard so often. I think I haven’t ever really understood, just followed in faith. However, understanding strengthens our faith so this is a good exercise.

During his final meal with his disciples, Jesus monumentalized an everyday ocassion. Through this, we are given an opportunity to reflect daily on God’s love.

When we share a holy meal with our church family, we are sharing a common reflection, usually reserved for Sunday mornings. But we can bring this to every meal, silently or formally and include nourishment for our faith.

Jesus challenges us to see true leaders as children and the greatest kings as servants. This says to me that to remain open to love we must see life as a child and experience all things without adult prejudices.  Do not live as if you deserve to be waited on but live to wait on others. For we cannot be wise nor great without knowing innocense and humility.

Jesus said to pray not to fall into temptation. His disciples attacked those who came to bring Jesus to justice. Jesus demanded they stop and healed the wrong they had done. This seems to be a pre-cursor to the gathering of our sins that Jesus died for.

Through our faith our sin is removed and we are able to focus on today and tomorrow—not the guilt of the past. With this heavy burden removed, we are free to experience each new day as a child and lead others to witness the same peace.

Jesus knew his path, he knew it could not be altered. He was prepared and ready to be with God. I don’t believe we are given such a clear path. I do believe, however, that our true paths are revealed to us through prayer and meditation. When we are at peace with our lives, we are clear to see and fulfill our future.