Thursday; April 9


          What would you tell people if you knew that you were not going to be around the next day?  I figure that few of us will get the opportunity to plan our last words, but if we could – what would they be?  Interestingly, there is a story in the Bible where this is the case.  I am sure that Jesus knew that His demise was imminent the evening He gathered His disciples together for what has been called “The Last Supper”.  As we look at the events of that evening, one of the things that stands out to me is the lack of deep theology.  Jesus didn’t spend His time trying to explain the mysteries of religion, rather He focused on such common topics as service, love and peace.  In one of the most comforting passages anywhere in the Bible Jesus promises, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” (John 14:27).  Jesus knew that the lives of His disciples were about to be turned upside down.  They would experience human emotions that – at that moment – were unimaginable.  They would be faced with life and death decisions.  They would be challenged to either accept or reject what they had spent their lifetimes studying and their last three years understanding.   At some point they probably could have used an advanced degree in theology, but what they needed from Him on this night was comfort and direction.    
          Do we tend to make our religious discussions too complicated?  Sure it may be personally satisfying being the smartest kid in the class, but is that what our family, friends and neighbors need to hear?  Let’s take a page from the greatest Teacher of all times and be willing to share what people need – even if we don’t get to show off how much we know!
          Think About It!

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