Wednesday, April 13, 2022 - First Methodist Mansfield

Today is Holy Wednesday, April 13 and this week is Holy Week. Each day we journey closer to the cross with Jesus.

Opening Prayer

As I enter this time of prayer, I draw near to the presence of God. I breathe slowly and deeply and focus my whole being on the God who loves me.

Pause and Pray

Holy and gracious God, I seek you in these moments of silence. I listen for the particular message you have for me today. Speak to me through the power of your Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

Scripture Reading

I seek the God of justice and cry out to him with the words of Psalm 35.

Do not let those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; do not let those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye. They do not speak peaceably, but devise false accusations against those who live quietly in the land. They sneer at me and say, “Aha! Aha! With our own eyes we have seen it.” Lord, you have seen this; do not be silent. Do not be far from me, Lord. Psalm 35:19-22

Pause and Pray

Everyday during Holy Week we read scripture from the events of the same day of Jesus’ last week on earth. The Passover is rapidly approaching and the religious authorities are becoming increasingly frustrated with Jesus. They desire to be rid of him. For the chief priests and elders the death of Jesus is a political necessity. He has challenged their power, captured the imagination of the crowd, and the people are following him. They cannot possibly accept that he is a true prophet, let alone Israel’s long awaited Messiah. Jesus is invited to the home of Simon the Leper in Bethany and a woman with an alabaster jar breaks open her treasure and pours the costly perfume on his head while he is reclining and eating at the table. Jesus is not concerned about the expense as his disciples are (particularly Judas). Jesus claims the anointing has prepared him for his burial.

When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, “As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they schemed to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him. “But not during the festival,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.” Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. Matthew 26:1-5,14-16

Reflection

The Passover is only two days away and Jesus knows he will be handed over to be crucified. There are nefarious schemes and plots of betrayal for riches and political gain. The religious authorities assembled and conspired to have Jesus arrested and killed. Judas Iscariot sells out his leader and friend for thirty coins. Jesus was betrayed. The Son of Man was handed over to be crucified for the benefit of a broken world. He was handed over to be crucified for me. I benefited from this treachery. He knew he was going to the cross to endure the torture of unthinkable punishment and he did this for my soul. I consider who I most associate with in the story. Maybe it is the disciples who are told about the impending crucifixion. Perhaps it is the elders and high priests who make secret plots and backroom deals. Maybe it is Judas the greedy betrayer. Have I ever turned my back on Jesus? Or perhaps I betrayed someone else.

Ask: When have I betrayed someone for my own gain or benefit? When have I felt the pain of betrayal by another?

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord Jesus, the harmful pain of betrayal lingers and the lonely agony of rejection stings. Forgive me for the times I have turned my back on what is right and been enticed to inflict unnecessary harm on others. Heal the brokenness of my soul and repair the grief others have caused by their callous behavior. Bring forgiveness, salvation and healing. I read the words from Matthew again and listen for the message you have for me.

When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, “As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they schemed to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him. “But not during the festival,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.” Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. Matthew 26:1-5,14-16

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

Each day we draw closer to the cross and the suffering of Christ. I try to comprehend what God wants me to learn through the events of Holy Week. What speaks to me from this heinous act of betrayal? What circumstances in my life do they inform? I recall places in my life when I have been betrayed by someone I trusted and other times when I have participated in an act of betrayal. What would I consider to be my thirty pieces of silver?

Pause and Pray

Come, Lord Jesus, shine your light into the dark recesses of my soul and reveal the places that reek of unfaithfulness. Call me to account and strengthen my convictions to do nothing for selfish gain or impure motives. Lest I ever betray your steadfast love and willing sacrifice for me. Amen.

If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers. Psalm 55:12-14