Luke 22:1-6
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
As we follow Jesus through the last hours of his life on earth, read Luke 22:1-6 paying attention to any thoughts that come as you read.
It is possible to know about Jesus and even to make a show of following him without really yielding to him. An authentic encounter with Jesus produces a fundamental change in the way a person sees the world and perceives time - and understands his or her place in both. To truly know Jesus is to enter the journey of life transformation.
Luke tells us that the religious leaders of Israel, the ones tasked with being the under-shepherds of God’s people, are so filled with fear and hatred towards Jesus that they are attempting to find a way to kill him without causing an uproar among the common people. But even more disturbing than this is the fact that one of Jesus’ own disciples, who has traveled in his presence for three years, is so internally empty that he can be easily overcome by the evil one.
Take some time to consider how you have changed since encountering Jesus. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in this self-examination, and talk to Jesus as thoughts come to mind.
Read Luke 22:1-6 again.
By his actions, Judas set in motion the events that led to the execution of Jesus. He became a character in a story in which Jesus laid down his life to rescue humanity from enslavement to evil.
Judas had a choice, but he chose to ignore the very presence of Jesus with him. As a result, his name is forever associated with heinous betrayal.
We are all part of the epic story of God’s creation, redemption, and restoration of the world, and we have a choice about the role we will play in that divine narrative. As you end this time of meditation, sit in silence and think about the story God is writing with your life.
Then be still and listen to Jesus.
What might Jesus be inviting you to do or do differently today?
Will you?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
