JUST ONE WISH (Maundy Thursday)
Holy Week Reading 5: Luke 22:1-62

At some point in life, most of us have probably thought about our “One Wish.” Whether our wish would be world peace, solving world hunger, eliminating the current Pandemic, or hitting the next lottery, we’ve probably spent a few moments daydreaming about it. On Maundy Thursday, this might seem like a strange topic, yet it’s the perfect topic to consider!

In our current world environment, Maundy Thursday arrives with as much anticipation as the day of an awaited medical procedure: Not sure we want it but we know that we need it. Today is the day we remember the Last Supper, and it almost feels as if it’s forced upon us. For Jesus, it was likely the one thing He wanted more than anything else. If Jesus had an iphone, the alarm probably started ringing about mid-afternoon for the reminder.

As we approach the next few days, let’s consider that Jesus was fully aware of everything that was taking place around Him. Jesus knew that He only had a few hours of freedom remaining. He could’ve gone fishing, thrown a wild party, or He could’ve bought all the remaining toilet tissue at Wal-Mart and rolled all of His enemies.

Instead, Jesus chose to spend his last few hours of freedom sharing a meal with His friends. Think about that for a moment: He could’ve done anything...literally, anything. Yet He chooses a simple meal with friends. Why does Jesus make this choice? Maybe it’s because Jesus can’t bear the thought of spending either the present or Eternal Future without the ones He loves. Literally, food for thought.

Today is a big day. Not just because it’s Maundy Thursday or the first day of a big weekend. Today is a big day because, like Jesus, we have a cloud hanging over us. We might not be able to invite all of our friends over for dinner, but we still have the freedom to accomplish whatever we choose. We still have at least One Wish.

What is your One Wish today? If you were going to give God one prayer that you needed answered, what would it be? Consider it deeply; then take it God. It might not seem possible to you, but with the power of God, nothing is impossible.

“When it was time, Jesus sat down, all the apostles with him, and said, ‘You’ve no idea how much I have looked forward to eating this Passover meal with you before I enter my time of suffering. It’s the last one I’ll eat until we all eat it together in the kingdom of God.’” (Luke 22:14-16, The Message)