Daily Devotional - Day 44

Maundy Thursday

Today’s Reading: (Matthew 26:20-46)

Gethsemane. A place called the olive press. Here, the knowledge of the future forced drops of blood from Christ’s body—anxiety crushing Jesus in the same way oil is crushed from olives. 

Unable to understand, Christ’s closest friends slept while the Lord knelt in prayer and petitioned the Father. Perhaps there was another way? But God’s answer remained the same. Only Jesus’ death on the cross could rescue slaves to sin.

Resolute, Christ rose as though waiting for the angry mob of men. Sorrow would not stop the Savior from offering self for our sins. As believers, we benefit from his brave determination. The passion of Jesus resulted in our purification; his pressing as our propitiation.

We recognize that as the Christ’s earthly existence drew near, God revealed the horror that awaited. Both fully man and the Son of God, Jesus could have chosen differently. But because of love, Jesus chose us.

Gethsemane. A place of triumph. Here, Jesus awaited the kiss of betrayal so that we might receive a bounty of eternal blessing.

Reflection Question for Today: 

In what way does the meaning of Gethsemane deepen your understanding of the garden in which Christ was praying, captured, and betrayed? How does the garden of Gethsemane compare to the garden of Eden?

A Maundy Thursday Prayer: 

Lord, where sin abounds grace abounds more (Romans 5:20-21). Because of your limitless mercy and love we were saved from our sin and like the disciples, we will one day join you at the table, feasting in your presence.  Today, we affirm our commitment to you and proclaim your name as Savior. Amen.