The cookbook the Houston women gave me.
14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. 21 But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. 22 The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man who betrays him.”
When I was out in Houston earlier this month, the wonderful women there gave me the ultimate gift – a cookbook called Peace Meals. The premise of this book is that feasting brings community together. For years, I have gathered with strangers and friends for “Story Feasts,” an opportunity to dine on foods of all kind and remember the stories of what God has done.
Today in our Holy Week journey, we join Jesus and his disciples for the ultimate Peace Meal. Jesus is enjoying his last supper before he leaves to endure the suffering of the Cross which will purchase the ultimate peace, the restoration of shalom, the relational harmony and right order lost in the Fall.
In the way of gospel irony, even over this peace meal hovers the looming deconstruction of harmony. Jesus knows Judas will betray him, but he has a greater confidence – His Father, God, will destroy all powers of darkness through his body and blood. Not only will betrayal not win the days, God will redeem betrayal for His grand purposes.
Dear Lord Jesus,
It is hard to sit in this scene with you, knowing what is to come. But you celebrated the Last Supper as a joyous feast, the ultimate peace meal, in anticipation of things to come. Thank you for defeating darkness by your death on the Cross and inviting us to table with you, to remember that is only by your body and blood that we could possibly enjoy peace with God and with one another. God, we praise you for raising Jesus from the dead – the resurrection reality in which our hope lies. Holy Spirit, draw our hearts to dwell today and every day on the marvel of Your meal. In the name of the God who defeated betrayal, Amen.
