The hymn in Philippians 2:6-11 is known for the trajectory of Christ’s self-emptying. It’s a backwards understanding of who we might expect the Son of God to be or look like. But Paul’s emphasis is just that - the trajectory of Jesus’ ministry included a significant downward motion.
Back here in Matthew 26, up to this point, at least as far as those who are watching are concerned, Jesus’ ministry has been on an upward motion. All the wise teachings, the healings, the powerful moments of connection and forgiveness - they’ve elevated Jesus in the eyes of most watching (save the arms-crossed religious leaders).
It’s not that Jesus didn’t warn the disciples (see the first verse of our passage today). If you’ve come to believe Jesus is sent from God, it’s hard to fathom that the story could possibly turn toward humiliation and death. Why would such a person be humiliated and die? Why would God allow him to be subject to lies and accusations that are totally false?
But that is how these next two chapters are going to go. The healings will stop in force. Multiplication of food will be no more. Great adoring crowds will disperse.
But the love will continue. In fact, what is to come will be at the heart of Christ’s love for his disciples and the world. The disciples didn’t get it then. So many still don’t.
But in what looks like defeat, love itself is revealed most fully.
Matthew 26:1-16
When Jesus finished speaking all these words, he said to his disciples, “You know that the Passover is two days from now. And the Human One will be handed over to be crucified.”
Then the chief priests and elders of the people gathered in the courtyard of Caiaphas the high priest. They were plotting to arrest Jesus by cunning tricks and to kill him. But they agreed that it shouldn’t happen during the feast so there wouldn’t be an uproar among the people.
When Jesus was at Bethany visiting the house of Simon, who had a skin disease, a woman came to him with a vase made of alabaster containing very expensive perfume. She poured it on Jesus’ head while he was sitting at dinner. Now when the disciples saw it they were angry and said, “Why this waste? This perfume could have been sold for a lot of money and given to the poor.”
But Jesus knew what they were thinking. He said, “Why do you make trouble for the woman? She’s done a good thing for me. You always have the poor with you, but you won’t always have me. By pouring this perfume over my body she’s prepared me to be buried. I tell you the truth that wherever in the whole world this good news is announced, what she’s done will also be told in memory of her.”
Then one of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I turn Jesus over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver. From that time on he was looking for an opportunity to turn him in.
Psalm 116:5-7
The Lord is merciful and righteous; our God is compassionate.
The Lord protects simple folk; he saves me whenever I am brought down.
I tell myself, You can be at peace again, because the Lord has been good to you.
Prayer
God,
In moments of uncertainty, I need you. I know I need you all the time. But when the immediate future appears to be unsettling, unknown, or unmanageable, I’m quite reminded of this need.
Such fickleness.
I used to like roller coasters as a child. I wish I still did, so I could enjoy them with my kids. But now my stomach can’t take them. And honestly, that feels like a metaphor for how I handle uncertainty these days: less tolerance for the ups and downs, more longing for steady ground, no real thrill for the uncertainty of what may be coming around the next bend.
Why can’t I just enjoy my tea and the trees and sunsets all day long?
But I see Jesus’ example, God. I see the need of the world. I see my own actual needs. And so I acknowledge my need for you. I need thee every hour. So help me, God. For you are steady, and your love does not fail.
By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.