Mark 14:12-16
Find a way to separate yourself from whatever’s going on around you so you can fully enter into today’s passage. if you haven’t read the introduction to Mark’s Gospel, read it here.
Read Mark 14:12-16 from the perspective of the disciples.
What would it feel like to be able to serve Jesus in practical way like this?
The highest holy days are upon the community of Jesus and his followers, and these two disciples recognize that preparations need to be made. So they approach their leader with a question: “Where do you want us to go and prepare the Passover meal for you?” There is a simple beauty in their inquiry, and though they may not be in tune with the significance of this particular Passover for Jesus, their desire is to serve him.
Read Mark 14:12-16 again paying special attention to Jesus’ response to the disciples.
In the next few days significant events will unfold that will literally change the course of history, and it would be easy for this part of the story to get lost in the grand drama. But within this short passage lies a picture of what service in the kingdom of heaven is like.
God’s rescue mission for people and the world is unfolding beyond what we can see, but God, in great humility, accomplishes the plan through willing people.
In today’s reading, the owner of the house has already been moved to make preparations, and because of their devotion to Jesus, the two disciples are also allowed to participate in the story. But God has gone before them preparing the way.
We who follow Jesus are allowed to be part of what God is already doing in the world when we come to Jesus and ask how we can serve him. The Holy Spirit inspires us and gives us the desire to serve God as we follow Jesus and grow in our love for him. God has already gone before us and has a plan in place, and we discover that plan as we follow Jesus and seek to serve him.
How do you feel about the idea that God has invited you to partner with Jesus in what he is already doing in the world?
Do you have a sense of any particular way God is inviting you to serve?
Take a moment or two to talk with Jesus. Ask him to show you ways you can serve him today.
End your time of reflection by expressing gratitude for God’s great humility in allowing you to be part of Jesus mission to restore shalom to people and the world.
Need help discovering new spiritual practices for 2021? Check out The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide.
Are you finding these meditations to be helpful? If so, please forward them to a couple of friends.
