Wednesday in the Word: Earnest Desire

 

I’m deviating from my study of Psalm 37 this week for a couple of reasons. First, it’s Holy Week, so it feels appropriate to move my focus to a passage about this week. Secondly, it’s Holy Week, so I haven’t had time to dive into a Psalm study like normal.

                I have been reading these Holy Week passages over and over as I prepare for services at our church, and there is one phrase that keeps sticking out to me as I read.

                When Jesus shared the Passover meal with His disciples, He said, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.”

                That phrase fascinates me.

                This was the meal in which Jesus told the disciples that one of them would betray Him.

                This was the meal in which Jesus told Peter that before the night was over, Peter would deny knowing Him…three times.

                This was right before His closest friends fell asleep right when He asked them to pray for Him.

                This was right before they all fled in every direction, right when He needed them most.

                And yet…He earnestly desired to eat this meal with them. He wanted to spend a little more time with them. Invest in them a little more. Fellowship with them a little more. Even though their support would all fall apart, He earnestly desired to spend this precious little bit of time with them.

                Sit with that over the next couple of days.