Holy Thursday
A week of walking to Calvary
It is the first day of unleavened bread; tonight the pascal lamb must be eaten in Jerusalem.
And so, Jesus departs from Bethany for the final time to attend the Feast, in accordance with the law.
He is sorrowful; He sighs for what is about to happen.
Peter and John are sent to prepare the Passover meal. A sign is given to help them find the house. They do not question Jesus, but wonder, which causes them concern.
It’s late in the day when the disciples gather with Jesus at the house.
They eat the Passover quickly - the lamb, the herbs, and unleavened bread.
They talk, laugh, and have conversations. Still, everyone is a little nervous. They feel on the edge, unsure if something’s about to happen, but they sense it nonetheless.
Jesus gets up and ties a cloth around His waist. He brings a pitcher, bowl, and cloth to the disciples and washes their feet. They don’t like it but obey, watching His humility. His love pours out like water. His gentle touch with the towel stops their hearts.
He takes the bread and offers it to the Father, declaring that it is His body, and the cup as His blood. They are to take and eat. John leans in, and Jesus dips the morsel into the cup. He hands it to Judas, and Judas then leaves.
The Apostles argue about who is the greatest among them. They still do not understand what is happening. They leave and head to the Mount of Olives, where Jesus delivers the discourse on the vine and the branches. He promises the Holy Spirit.
In the garden, Jesus prays to His Father. His agony is intense as He accepts His Father’s will. The soldiers arrive, and Judas betrays Him with a kiss. Jesus is arrested and chained.
The disciples run away. Jesus is taken to Ananias, the high priest, where He is tried and found guilty of blasphemy. He is left tied up in a cell overnight.