Easter MattersSample

Written by Ben Hewitt - Lead Pastor of City on a Hill Ballarat

In 1st century Israel, the Passover feast was like Christmas today. Plans were laid months beforehand — food was prepared, guests were invited, the table was set, and excitement built. Fine feasts depend on good planning. When the hour finally comes, all those plans are fulfilled and enjoyment can follow.

We pick up Luke’s gospel as Jesus’ passover planning — generations in the making — comes to fruition. He wants one last meal with his friends before he suffers. He plans one last meal to impart some final instructions to his followers.

Luke tells us finally, "the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him." (Luke 22:14, ESV)

Jesus knows what lies ahead of him — he tells them as they share this meal: that he will suffer, that his body will be given for them, his blood poured out for them, and that he will be betrayed by one of them. All this will come, and yet look at Jesus as the hour came — reclined at the table. Jesus is in full control of his situation because this is all part of the plan that he and his heavenly Father have prepared. He knows he must die, but he knows this too: the kingdom of God will come. Not just in part but in full. Not just for a moment in time but forever. The king will return and make all things new - it’s all part of the plan. So in those old war words, "keep calm and carry on". Jesus is in control.

Today ponder this:

What circumstances have you experienced that have caused you to doubt that Jesus is in control?

Trust Jesus, who knew this facing his own suffering — that no matter what we face in life, he can see a way through.