Jesus' Last Hours

“The Master saith, My time is at hand.”

(Matt. 26:18)

Although Our Lord spoke of His rejection, sufferings, and death on various occasions, still His disciples did not grasp the full depth of this upcoming event. Only Mary did, showing it to be so, by the anointing of His body for the burying.

The last hours of our Saviour’s life on earth are very instructive for those who are spiritually-minded. For over three years He had spoken of this day that now, says He, has arrived. This truth awards us with faith to face the future, no matter what it has in store for us, if we permit it.

Christ did not sit around and feel sorry for himself, as Saul of old, but was busy being a blessing to the end. He had supper with His friends, the disciples; taught them a lesson on humility, by washing their feet; led them in a song; prayed for them in His high priestly prayer; and instructed them concerning their union with Him in the story of the vine and branches. He then left them with the sight of Him accepting God’s will for His life by His Gethsemane experience. Then, His final example: how to die in the Will of God.

Jesus never resented others not sharing in His suffering, and particular predicament. He did not begrudge them their physical health or material blessings.  There was no, “Why me?” but rather, “Why not me?” He had “Set His face like a flint.” You did not hear, “What shall this man do?” But rather, “I delight to do thy will, O my God.” Jesus lived life to its fullest, right up to the end. Let’s do the same.

“He who planned my coming into the world, has planned my leaving it.”

(rds)