Thursday, April 21, 2011

The Way of the Cross (38)

The events of Maundy Thursday, the washing of feet, the Lord's Supper, the prayer in Gethsemane, come so quickly that it's hard to keep up with what is happening at times. You can imagine the 24 hour news crews dashing to get their cameras rolling, live reports coming in, minute by minute updates on the trial. You could be tempted to think that it all kicked off, taking Jesus by surprise. He was in control up until the soldiers arrived, led by the chief priests and Judas, but then it turned out differently to how he had expected.

Not so, says the person who has read their Bible! Even as Jesus is arrested, he continues to fulfill Scripture, his enemies playing their part unawares. None more so than in Gethsemane, where the prophet Zechariah helps us to understand what is happening.

Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered. (Zechariah 13:7)

This is exactly how it turns out as Jesus is arrested, and the Eleven are scattered in fear. Alone, the Saviour continues, the shepherd of the Lord, stricken for the flock, giving his life to save them and gather them from their separation.

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