Word@Work 168 - Mark 14:13-16
Published: Thu, 07/17/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 14:13-16 So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. Say to the owner of the house he enters, 'The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there." The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover. (NIV)
Jesus had reserved a suitable room for the Passover meal (Last Supper). He had already made the arrangements with the necessary security built in. All the details of this covert operation for two unnamed disciples had been worked out: the silent street encounter with the water carrier leading to the rendezvous; the password and the final instructions. All they had to do was to do as they were told.
As always, when Jesus reveals a plan which includes us, He tells us enough so that we know we are on track at each stage. Of course, all this was to set the stage for Jesus to fill - as the host at the meal and the teacher He would share His last words. But for the disciples, it was something for them to do. They could not foresee the consequences of their obedient actions, but Jesus did. What mattered was that they were entrusted with their part and that Jesus, who started the project, would complete it to his satisfaction.
We too cannot see the future, and we are not expected to second guess our Master's intentions. All we know is that He knows what He is doing, and that He asks us to play some small part - however strange the role may seem to be. Obedience in such circumstances is a privileged responsibility (note that only two of the disciples were trusted in this story). And it is not about how the disciples would make a name for themselves, but about how the Master would be able to use their obedience. Is there something you know Jesus asks of you, but you cannot see where it is going or how it will work out? Start by taking the first step!
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You that You know the future, that everyday is shaped by Your big plan. Help me to be willing to be obedient to play whatever small part You have allocated to me, so that what you have planned will glorify You. In Christ's Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Jesus had reserved a suitable room for the Passover meal (Last Supper). He had already made the arrangements with the necessary security built in. All the details of this covert operation for two unnamed disciples had been worked out: the silent street encounter with the water carrier leading to the rendezvous; the password and the final instructions. All they had to do was to do as they were told.
As always, when Jesus reveals a plan which includes us, He tells us enough so that we know we are on track at each stage. Of course, all this was to set the stage for Jesus to fill - as the host at the meal and the teacher He would share His last words. But for the disciples, it was something for them to do. They could not foresee the consequences of their obedient actions, but Jesus did. What mattered was that they were entrusted with their part and that Jesus, who started the project, would complete it to his satisfaction.
We too cannot see the future, and we are not expected to second guess our Master's intentions. All we know is that He knows what He is doing, and that He asks us to play some small part - however strange the role may seem to be. Obedience in such circumstances is a privileged responsibility (note that only two of the disciples were trusted in this story). And it is not about how the disciples would make a name for themselves, but about how the Master would be able to use their obedience. Is there something you know Jesus asks of you, but you cannot see where it is going or how it will work out? Start by taking the first step!
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You that You know the future, that everyday is shaped by Your big plan. Help me to be willing to be obedient to play whatever small part You have allocated to me, so that what you have planned will glorify You. In Christ's Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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