He put the “meet up” in the mind and heart of the man carrying the jar of water (Mark 14:13). He was especially kind to the two He sent ahead in choosing for their rendezvous to be with a man carrying a jar of water. Likely can’t miss the one who was doing the meaningful, heavy lifting that women almost exclusively did. He put the seeds of the need in the heart of the owner of the upper room, so that, by the time all would arrive, all had been prepared. It was a meal exactly like they had all experienced for as long as they could remember. But there would never again be another like the one they shared with Him that night. Every last detail expertly cared for to honor the tradition established and instructed by the Father to remember His greatest rescue (to that point). And at the very same time, every essential element was made new in the person and coming sacrifice of the one true Passover Lamb that would invite everyone to that table of remembrance.
Jesus began the meal in the lowliest manner possible:
He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
John 13:4-5 (ESV)
This was the King who chose a stable and a small donkey in His moments of great arriving. This was a Savior who chose a cross and a basin of water in showing the full extent of His love. This was a Friend who took great care in thinking of everything and everyone at a time when He could have been consumed with Himself and the weight of what was coming. This was the One who spoke the world into existence, “who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped.” — Philippians 2:6 (ESV)
We’re in the final hours now. Everything begins to feel heavy. Every step is one closer to the cross and empty tomb. What began with an infant in a cradle then escalated quickly as a Man in the desert and along ancient roads, will soon be brought to bear. Let us pause before we go any further and linger in the lavish love of a lowly Savior who thought of everything and everyone.
journey onWord with us 
Continuing to care for us, look after us, prepare us, teach us, desire good for us, warn us, direct us, celebrate with us and love us. All, as you noted, as the weight of the world becomes more pronounce and close. As our fellow man, he has so many of these same needs. Who is there for him!?! “I AM!” Father, thank You for reminding us of Who it is that cares for us!
By: Jerry Willaman on April 14, 2022
at 1:56 pm
Thank you journey onWord and Mark for accepting God’s invite to observe, experience and share in this set-apart Thursday. We are privileged to come along. 🙂
Thank You Father! Thank You Son! Thank You Holy Spirit!
By: Jerry Willaman on April 14, 2022
at 2:55 pm
Philippians 2:6 (ESV) –
Permission that the Trinity be not fully grasped. Thank You, Amen.
By: bob ishee on April 19, 2022
at 10:24 pm