If Wednesday tells us anything, it’s that we need to be ready.  Particularly this week – we need to be ready to face the crucifixion in all its horror and all its beauty, in all its hate and all its love.  This is the week we commemorate the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who took the debt of our sin upon himself that we might be saved. We need to be ready.

Wednesday is known as the “quiet day” of Holy Week because little is spoken of it in Scripture.  Tuesday was a long and exhausting day for Jesus.  In addition to the two parables that featured a vineyard owner and a son, Jesus interacted with the Pharisees and the Sadducees for hours.  They tested him with questions: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar? Which is the greatest commandment? He made it clear that it doesn’t matter how much you think you know – it’s who you know that counts.  He presented a lengthy discourse which has come to be known as the “seven woes,” followed by signs pointing to his future return, and parables that stress the importance of being ready for his coming.  There’s that word: ready.

As the long and grueling Tuesday finally came to an end, Jesus reminded his disciples that in three short days he would be crucified.  He wanted to prepare them for what was coming.  He wanted them to be ready.

Jesus himself, during this quiet day, silently tells us that even he needed to have time to be alone with the Father to prepare and be ready for Friday.  Throughout his life Jesus, on many occasions, stole away to rest and recharge by spending time with his Father. Here, one day before his arrest and two days before his execution, he knows that more than ever that time with his Father is exactly what he needs.

This is a message for us as well. When we face difficult days, unknown futures, fearful moments, we need to be prepared by submitting to the will of the Father, leaning into his plan, and trusting him as he has promised to sustain us no matter what.

Take this quiet day and use it well.  Along with Jesus, who spent this day in holy preparation, pray without ceasing. Don’t miss the significance of this day, and be ready for what is to come.

God bless you.

Love,
Gigi

Jesus knew that the Father had given him power over everything
and that he had come from God and was going back to God.
–- John 13:3 (NCV)