From “Jesús’ Journey to the Cross” by Dr Greg Baxter
On Thursday the gospel writers record 29 separate incidents and exchanges of our Lord on the way to Golgotha. The four movements are sharing the Passover meal, the farewell discourse, walking and talking on the way to Gethsemane, and Jesus in the garden. This day will seem like it will never end for our precious Savior as the mantle of sin begins to wrap itself around the One who will ultimately bear all our transgressions, drink the cup of death and perdition, bearing it on the cross in less than a day’s time.
On Thursday, April 2, 33 Jesus and his disciples prepare for the Passover meal. They make preparations (3-5pm Slaying of Lamb) [Matt 26:17-20; Mark 14:12-17; Luke 22:7-14] and Jesus then washes the Disciples’ feet as a reminder that we are to serve one another (Sunset/During Supper) [Luke 22:24-30; John 13:1-20]. Jesus Foretells his Betrayal [Matt 26:21-22; Mark 14:18-19; Luke 22:21-23; John 13:21-22] and Peter wants to know who will betray Him- John 13:23-25 and Jesus obliges him [Matt 26:23; Mark 20; Luke 22:21; John 13:26] and pronounces judgment on him [Matt 26:24; Mark 14:21; Luke 22:22]. Judas then responds to Jesus and the others [Matt 26:25; Luke 22:23].
Jesus then shares the Passover meal in the upper room [Matt 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:15-20; 1 Cor 11:23-25]. Judas leaves [John 13:26-30] and our Lord shares the New Commandment of Love [Luke 22:24-30; John 13:31-35], predicts Peter’s denial- [Matt 26:30-35; Mark 14:26-31; Luke 22:31-34; John 13:36-38], and tells His disciples that the sword they will wield in the future Church age is the Word of God not physical violence [Luke 22:35-38].
Jesus moves on to comfort the disciples by leaving them with a helper and encourager in the farewell/upper room discourse. He tells them, ‘Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled’ [John 14:1-14], a helper is coming [John 14:15-26] and He gives them the Gift of Peace [John 14:27-31].
On the way to the garden he continues with the teaching on the True Vine [John 15:1-8], remain in His love [John 15:9-17], the world will hate them [John 15:18-25], the HS is their helper [John 15:26-27], they will face persecution [John 16:1-4], the HS will help [John 16:5-15] and their sorrow is turned to joy [John 16:16-22]. They are to pray in Jesus’ name as well [John 16:23-28]. He predicts their flight [John 16:29-33] and then He prays an intercessory prayer [John 17:1-26].
Arriving at the garden of Gethsemane Jesus instructs the disciples to wait while he agonizes in prayer that He would be victorious over death’s hold on him [Matt. 26:36-46; Mk. 14:32-42; Lk. 22:39-46; Jn. 18:1]. Jesus is betrayed, and arrested [Matt 26:47-50; Mark 14:43-46; Luke 22:47-48; John 18:2-9], Peter cuts off Malchus’s ear [Matt 26:51-55; Mark 14:47-49; Luke 22:49-53; John 18:10-12] and the Disciples run away [Matt 26:56; Mark 14:50-52].
Lord,
Deepen our love and devotion to you as we remember your broken body and shed blood so we may experience the forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life,
Draw us close to you through prayer and keep us from the evil one, sanctify us in your truth, and send us into a lost world to declare the love of God in Christ,
Deliver us from the fear of evil men who may intimidate or persecute us for sharing the gospel and declaring that Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord.
Discourage us from using the weapons of the world to fight spiritual battles and give us courage to stand on the Word of God.
In Jesus name, AMEN.
