LUKE 22:1-13 THEN Great multitudes came to Jerusalem for the feast of unleavened bread and the Passover. These two national feasts that came at the same time had teaching the Jews would have understood to a degree. Unleavened bread was to remind them of the moral condition God expects of His people, when they gathered to review the great deliverance, He gave them from the bondage in Egypt. There are occasions when God's people are in a condition when God can use them. That usually follows some special experience they have had with
God following a time of fellowship at a conference gathering of believers or some traumatic event that brings us back to where we get our priorities in order once again. While the opportunity for such spiritual renewal is there for everyone, most people only see the enjoyment of the time spent with others from distant places, the excitement of being in a large crowd and singing "psalms, hymns and spiritual songs" together, and miss the real and lasting blessing spiritual awakening brings.
A serious problem arises occasionally at such times. We are tested as to the reality of our commitment - and maybe even the reality of the confession of faith in Christ. Judas went three years appearing to many to be a genuine disciple. Satan will try at the spiritual high points of our lives to bring us down. He, the enemy of God and of the souls of men, made it a point to be in Jerusalem at that particular time. We don't know the way this implacable enemy gains his information, but perhaps he was there because he knew great crowds had historically gathered there at that time of year. The leadership of Israel was seeking to kill Jesus and the archenemy of the Lord Jesus Christ who had been defeated by Him before, used those men and Judas, to bring about the death of Jesus - or so they thought. We know it was "by the determinant counsel and foreknowledge of God, Jesus was crucified and slain." This "son of perdition," Judas, was probably trying to force the hand of the Lord Jesus into acting on behalf of the nation and liberating Israel from Rome. He may have expected a high position in the coming kingdom.
In This Plot to take the Lord Jesus and force Him to act miraculously on behalf of the nation, Judas allied with Satan, then he allied with the wicked leadership of religion that had their own agenda. It reminds us again that among God's people there are found those who are there for their own personal reasons and have never been born again by the Spirit of God. They are schemers with an agenda that can be quickly controlled by Satan if he finds out about it. Judas was not unaware of The Plot to destroy Jesus. As a thief, a traitor and a son of perdition, he was "without God, without Christ and without hope in the world," and sought no place of repentance.
The Lord had probably eaten The Passover feasts with His disciple in the years before when they were with Him. When the time came for this Passover feast, there was something special about this one. "With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer." This Passover was the last one. All other Passovers were held as a remembrance for a past deliverance and a hope for the future "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." When Peter and John went to get things ready in the "upper room," they went in faith they had learned to exercise during the time they followed Jesus. They found the man bearing the pitcher of water coming toward them just as Jesus had said. When they followed the water- bearer to the house, and spoke to the man responsible for the house, he showed them the large furnished upper room, just as Jesus said. They got everything prepared for The Passover, just as Jesus said.
When we receive directions from God there is no reason to question what is obviously His will. The only question they asked was, "Where...?" The rest was very clear and precise. The actions of faith are contrasted with the actions of deceit and betrayal. When the course of events lead up to a place to fulfill a work about which we don't have all the information at first, it is only right that we should act on what we know. Then the Lord will reveal what has been withheld from us up until then. When great crowds gathered and it seemed right to Judas, then Satan entered. Popularity and favor with the ungodly are not necessarily evidence of God's will. When the time comes that some action must be taken about a matter, then go ahead and act in faith on what you already know is right. Anything farther than that will be revealed to us as the Holy Spirit guides, just like the man bearing the pitcher of water.
When everything seems wonderful and popularity increases - When more are cheering loudly for us and sounds of opposition ceases - Then take heed to yourself because our enemy is not dead. He can bring upon us quickly the things we most do dread.
When people question truth and even God's existence deny. When there are those who think influence, they can buy. Then the only course to take is to turn and go away. An opportunity may arise to give them light another day.
When you wonder what is next and what you're supposed to do. When because of things that happen, you wonder if you are through. Then remember it is in weakness God demonstrates His grace Through those whose strength is in the Lord, in Him they put their faith.
When the report comes to your ears and you know that it is wrong. When for some unknown reason deception seems so strong - Then look up to Him who called you to do this very thing.
The time will come when to the Lord the fruit of labor you can bring.
When the doctor comes and tells you, you don't have very long to live. When you've passed along what you've received and there's no more to give. Then take courage because He promised with us through the valley He will go. The seed we have sown in the harvest field, He will make some day to grow.
When we have finished our course and over the years we look back. When we realize our failures and the things which we do lack - Then just leave it all with Him who knows the motive behind each deed. He will be glorified in what has worth, and when His guidance we did heed.
"Father, as the Lord drew near to the cross, there were things He wanted to do to fulfill Thy will and please Thee. Please give me the understanding and wisdom to finish what is Thy will so I can please Thee. I am gradually slowing down but I do not want to leave undone those things that I can do. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."