Today we remember the Last Supper and Christ's betrayal. Though there are many passages to choose from, in particular I am reminded of the Savior's ultimate example of service and his incomparably fervent prayer (both from the New American Standard Bible): John 13:3-5 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God, and was going back to God, rose from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself about. Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. Luke 22:41-44 And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, … [Read more...]
Passion Week: Tuesday
On the Tuesday before His crucifixion, Christ was famously tested by questions from the religious teachers. Two of his dazzling responses that confounded his questioners (both from the New American Standard Bible): Mark 12:17 And Jesus said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they were amazed at Him. Matthew 22:37-40 And He said to him, "'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the prophets." … [Read more...]
Passion Week: Monday
By nearly all scholarly accounts, the following are from passages that happened on the Monday before Christ's crucifixion (both from the New American Standard Bible): Matthew 21:21 And Jesus answered and said to them, "Truly I say to you, if you have faith, and do not doubt, you shall not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it shall happen. Luke 19:45-46 And He entered the temple and began to cast out those who were selling, saying to them, "It is written, 'AND MY HOUSE SHALL BE A HOUSE OF PRAYER,' but you have made it a ROBBERS' DEN." … [Read more...]