Mark 14:13-15
Men
are rumored to not want to stop for directions or read the instructions
included with things that need to be assembled. I’m not sure how the rumors got
started, but I am here today to put an end to them. Instructions are our
friends. They will help us.
As
I am getting older, I am finding that I can’t summon the resources to remember
a series of instructions. In need to write things down. Maybe I am just tired.
I could always blame the medication I am taking. All I know is that I find
myself making lists. I have learned to make them on my phone. That way I don’t
have to wonder where the list is! I would always seem to lose the paper ones.
I
hope I am not the only one who needs lists. I would like to think of myself as
somewhat normal. I know I live in God’s Waiting Room, Florida, but I don’t
think I am that old yet.
The
disciples are given a list of things to do, instructions to follow, so that
they can make the preparations they want to make for the Passover meal. Look at
the steps.
Go,
follow, say, prepare. Into the city, the house he enters, where I may eat, he
will show. Some people hate instructions. They feel it stifles their individuality
or their creativity or their freedom. There are reasons for those “Do not enter”
signs. Danger often lurks behind restrictions.
We
might look at these instructions and see Jesus’ extraordinary knowledge and
insight into the future. He knows about the man carrying the water jar. He
knows which house he is going to enter. He knows the owner of the house has a
large upper room. He knows it is furnished and prepared. He knows it is
available for Him.
Or
we could see that Jesus had already made arrangements in advance. He might have
already set things up with the water jug man and the owner of the house.
Or
maybe it is a combination of the two. He has insight into the servant’s
movement that will bring them to the prearranged house. We will never know.
I
love that Jesus includes His disciples in the meal. They are trying to make
preparations for Him to eat, and He tells them to make preparations for ‘us’
there. Jesus wants to include His disciples. He wants them to know they are
part of the activity, not just cogs in the wheel of time. Their role is
important, and they are going to participate in the event, not just sit on the
sidelines.