Thoughts for the Day

Luke 22:28 You are those who have stood by me in my trials.

There are so many things that one could reflect on from the Last Supper: Jesus’s institution of the Lord’s supper, his treatment of Judas, his washing the disciples’ feet,  his reference to conferring a Kingdom on them, his prayers for Simon Peter.  But as I read Luke’s account, I’m drawn to this little verse, tucked away almost among the big themes of the chapter.  There is a certain irony in these words, because within a few hours they will all have deserted him.  Indeed, only five verses later Jesus prays for Peter that, when he has turned back [after his denials], he might strengthen his brothers.  Yet Jesus, knowing all their failings over the previous two or three years and knowing what is about to happen – perhaps even because he knows what is about to happen – chooses to encourage them with a reminder of their support.  This verse also tells us that these few years have not all been plain sailing for Jesus.  The gospels record Jesus confounding every argument, overcoming every obstacle, rising to every challenge.  But this little verse tells us that it has not been without effort and cost.  Back on Day 3, I suggested that Jesus’s divinity afforded him no short-cuts in growing up through childhood, adolescence and into adulthood.  I conclude again that while he overcame all that he faced, he had no divine immunity to the pain of rejection or injustice and no divine short-cuts through the pressures of leadership or celibacy or physical privations.  It’s comforting to appreciate that Jesus faced trials like ours and to know that he encouraged and valued imperfect disciples … then and now!