Luke 22:1-20
Good morning!
The season of Lent begins tomorrow on Ash Wednesday. These Jesus Daily readings will continue, but take on some additional shape during the season.
Daily readings will continue as they have been with a short intro, a passage from the gospels, another passage from elsewhere in scripture, and a prayer. These will take a Lenten theme up to Easter Sunday, focusing on what are called the passion narratives. This means the readings will be focused on the events leading up to and including Jesus’ suffering and death. The passion narratives make up as much as 40-60% of the content of the four gospels!
At the same time, perhaps some of you are looking to go a bit further with your reading during the 40 days of Lent by reading the totality of the gospels during that time. To do just that, references for passages each day will be provided (the full text will not be provided). You are encouraged to choose a version of the Bible that you particularly enjoy reading as you’ll be reading 2-3 whole chapters each day.
Introduction
The Season of Lent began as a period of purification in the 40 days leading up to Easter Resurrection Sunday (excluding Sundays). Easter Sunday was a day of baptism for new converts. The period stretching across 40 days is intentional in that there are a number of stories in the Bible in which someone or something was prepared or purified in some way for a new season or forthcoming purpose. The flood came about from 40 days and nights of rain. Israel took 40 years to enter the Promised Land. Elijah fasted for 40 days. And Jesus himself spent 40 days in the wilderness prior to his public ministry.
Christians today observe the season of Lent for a variety of reasons. Some fast from particular foods. Others take breaks from otherwise life-taking activities (social media, etc.). Others seek to practice solidarity with people groups impacted by injustice (like reducing water consumption or drinking only water, etc.). Still others use the season to add life-giving or focusing practices like praying more or for a particular cause or reading or walking daily. However one chooses to do it, the idea is to draw nearer to Christ. That will look different for different people.
Visit the Christian Resource Institute to read more about Lent.
Jesus did not observe Lent. But he certainly practiced elements that now make up the season. He did, however, observe various religious seasons and festivals with his Jewish community.
Luke 22:1-20
The Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called Passover, was approaching. The chief priests and the legal experts were looking for a way to kill Jesus, because they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve. He went out and discussed with the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard how he could hand Jesus over to them. They were delighted and arranged payment for him. He agreed and began looking for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them—a time when the crowds would be absent.
The Day of Unleavened Bread arrived, when the Passover had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John with this task: “Go and prepare for us to eat the Passover meal.”
They said to him, “Where do you want us to prepare it?”
Jesus replied, “When you go into the city, a man carrying a water jar will meet you. Follow him to the house he enters. Say to the owner of the house, ‘The teacher says to you, “Where is the guestroom where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?” ’ He will show you a large upstairs room, already furnished. Make preparations there.” They went and found everything just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover meal.
When the time came, Jesus took his place at the table, and the apostles joined him. He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. I tell you, I won’t eat it until it is fulfilled in God’s kingdom.” After taking a cup and giving thanks, he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. I tell you that from now on I won’t drink from the fruit of the vine until God’s kingdom has come.” After taking the bread and giving thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, he took the cup after the meal and said, “This cup is the new covenant by my blood, which is poured out for you.”
Prayer
God,
As the season of Lent begins tomorrow, I know that it’s just another day in your world. But it’s seemed helpful for us to mark seasons to know your different movements among us. So Lord, help me in this season as I seek to draw nearer to Jesus and understand his suffering and death for me and the world.
Give me an understanding of what it is for me to pick up my own cross.
By your Spirit and in Christ,
Amen.