before I suffer

And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.”

Luke 22:15

Knowing that in just a matter of hours the events of the mock trials and crucifixion would begin to play out, Jesus sat down for one last Passover celebration with His disciples. And He did not run from even the difficulty of this realization. Jesus knew the price He was asked to pay. He knew what awaited Him that very night. And with anticipation He longed to sit down with His followers one last time to transform Passover into His Passion.

“Before I suffer…” perhaps the most downplayed description of what Jesus would endure and it came from His own lips. Jesus knew what was going to happen. He realized, accepted, endured, and submitted to the plan for our redemption just as meekly as Isaiah 53 predicted. He was the Lamb ready for the trip to be slaughtered. The meal of Passover lamb He ate with His disciples would forever prefigure the greater, perfect, final sacrifice of the Lamb of God Who took away the sin of the world. He would suffer for our sins. And He would not shrink away from obeying the Father’s will for Him to do so.

“Christ, our Passover Lambe, has been sacrificed…” (1 Corinthians 5:7). What Jesus earnestly desired in His last Passover is now our salvation in the present tense. We have new life, abundant life, eternal life… all because Jesus earnestly desired to obey the Father. His suffering gave Him authority over our sufferings. His sinless sacrifice covers our darkest moments and deepest sins.

Lord Jesus,

Rule over our sufferings now, calling us to see in Your sufferings how deeply You identify with us. Forgive our sins, O Lord, as we turn to You acknowledging our broken and sinful hearts. Heal us in Your sacrifice and raise us again to a new life of joyful rebirth in Your resurrection!

Amen