Saturday, April 12
Read: Psalm 31:9-16; Leviticus 23:1-8; Luke 22:1-13
Making Room for Jesus
In our time, we have traditions that invoke memories and the re-telling of stories from days of old. Though we have no laws that dictate these seasons for us, it is in the fabric of our culture that tells us it’s time to start preparing. Department stores and ads online clue us into when Christmas, Valentine’s Day or Easter are coming usually months in advance. For other occasions, we have reminders on our calendars, or you might have children who won’t let you forget how many days there are until their birthday!
As someone who works in the church, there is no forgetting when we are in the liturgical seasons of Advent or Lent. But ironically, as someone who works in the church, I can also easily forget to set aside time to prepare my heart during these busy holy seasons. I can often slip into task mode while forgoing the examination of my heart. Knowing this about our shared human experience, it makes me wonder how Peter and John must have approached Jesus’s deliberate directions to “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover” (Luke 22:8)? Were they wondering about the logistics? Were they concerned the meal would be ready in time?
Jesus answers them with detailed instructions that were certainly not haphazard: look for a man carrying a jar of water, follow him and secure the upper room. Every detail was orchestrated for the sacred Jewish feast that had been rehearsed since Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Their obedience and the unfolding of Jesus’ instructions remind us that preparation is a vital part of our spiritual journey, especially during the season of Lent.
Lent is a season of intentional preparation for the Christian, calling us to examine our hearts and lives. Just as Peter and John made tangible preparations for the Passover meal, we are invited to make spiritual preparations for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. This may involve fasting, prayer, acts of service, and self-examination.
In our Lenten journey, we too are called to trust in God’s plan, even when details seem unclear. Jesus invites us to follow Him, to listen for His voice, and to trust that He is leading us exactly where we need to be. When we surrender our plans to Him, we discover that He has already gone ahead of us, preparing the way. Just like the upper room was furnished and ready, we are called to make room for Jesus in our lives. As we journey toward the cross, let us prepare our hearts with repentance, gratitude and expectation.
Prayer:
Lord, as we walk through this Lenten season, help us to prepare our hearts as Peter and John prepared the upper room. Teach us to trust Your guidance, to make space for Your presence, and to reflect on Your great sacrifice. May our preparation lead us closer to You, so that we may fully embrace the joy of Your resurrection. Amen.
The Reverend Rebecca Rutherford is Senior Associate Pastor of First United Methodist Church of Marianna, Florida and the founding Pastor of Restoration United Methodist Church in Cottondale, Florida. She is the mother of a second-year student at Huntingdon College.
