An Overview
Key Verse: "I
no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's
business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned
from My Father I have made known to you."
John 15:15
The Seder meal is almost over. There is a
sense of closeness and contentment among close friends. The room is lit by
small, smoky lanterns. Perhaps, since it is spring, a gentle breeze wafts in
from time to time through an open window. Everyone is full from a wonderful
meal and at peace from the wine. It's one of those times that no one wants to
come to an end. It's a time of peace. There is no more bickering or jostling
for position. If only they had known what He knew, that these were their last
few hours together.
In scripture, much attention is given to last
words. The Patriarchs' last words are recorded as blessings, or curses, for the
next generation. Moses issued words of encouragement to Joshua. Elijah had
final words for Elisha. David had final words for his son Solomon and the
leaders. I often wonder what my last words would be, if I knew that they were
to be my last words on this earth. What would be the most important thing that
I would want my loved ones to know? It is an interesting exercise to ponder.
Jesus knows that He has one last evening with
His disciples; one last time to give them hope and encouragement; one last hour
to prepare them for the future. Imagine yourself there, listening to Jesus in
the quiet room, reclining at the table, trying to remember, but probably not
getting all of it and perhaps thinking, "That's okay, Jesus will say it
again later."
John, the youngest,
seems to have remembered the most and thus has recorded what he recalls, with
the help of the Holy Spirit, for us here. Let Jesus’ last words settle on you
now as they settled on the disciples then. Be more attentive than they were so
that you will be better equipped and reassured. Let these words prepare you for
the future. After all, you know what the disciples did not, that these are
Jesus' last words before His passion. What impact does it make on you now that
you know?
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