March to the Cross - Jesus: The Sacrificial King

Thursday, April 1

Jesus: The Sacrificial King

Focus: Jesus celebrates the Passover with His disciples; He washes their feet, and then Judas leaves in order to betray Him.

Genesis 22:8 …God will provide for Himself the lamb…

Mark 14:22-24 While they were eating, He took some bread, and after a blessing He broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is My body.” And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.”

John 13:3-5 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself about. Then He poured water into the basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.

John 13:21,27 After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” …So, Jesus told (Judas),“What you are about to do, do quickly.”

When I think of this infamous Passover Celebration, of course, I can’t help but think of our Jesus. He knew that this was His last meal with His disciples. He knew the suffering that He was about to endure in His sacrifice. I’m sure that He was filled with a kaleidoscope of his emotions. But what about His Disciples, was it just another Passover for them?

One of the most profound statements I have ever heard is this, “We often don’t realize the significance of a moment until it’s gone.” Did the disciples realize that even while their Lord was washing their feet that the strong band of brothers was about to experience betrayal and disloyalty? Did they have a clue that the yearly Passover celebration would become The Last Supper? Could they even comprehend that their ceremonial meal would become the new covenant?

What do you think, Sister? Do you think disciples realized in that moment that everything was about to change? And based on your thoughts on their awareness of the moment, if you were at the Lord’s Supper the night before His death, and He washed your feet, what would you have said to Him?

For further reading: John 13

Dear Lord, Thank you so much for the sacrifice of Jesus for our salvation, Jesus. We don’t deserve your mercy and your grace, so it is often hard to find the words to adequately thank You for this priceless gift. We love You, Lord, and we praise Your name for loving us enough to sacrifice Your life for us. You are our Sacrificial King! In Jesus’ name and for the Father’s glory we pray. Amen