Jesus had eagerly looked forward to celebrating the Passover with his disciples…his friends. He was glad to be there with them. They were his friends. They were a gift in his life. The wonderful aromas of the meal surrounded them. The sounds of their conversation and laughter drifted out into the night. They celebrated together the events of the first Passover remembering God’s faithfulness in delivering them from Egypt’s slavery centuries ago.
An oasis of celebration and ritual surrounded Jesus during the Passover meal. The evening’s traditions rooted him to the people, the land and to God. I believe this meal with his friends helped to steady him as he focused on the night’s ritual. He gave thanks…grateful for bread, for the celebration itself, for all he had been given, for his friends, for God’s provision and care.
And, the disciples…how often had they watched Jesus give thanks at meals? Did they remember other times on hillsides…in the middle of great crowds…by the sea shore…in their own homes? The familiar voice pausing to give thanks as work-worn hands blessed the bread…how often had they experienced this simple, normal act by Jesus?
