Three Messages for Three Men

"But behold the hand of him who is now engaged in betraying Me is with Me on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed and delivered up!" And they began to inquire among themselves which of them is was who was about to do this.

Now an earner contention arose among them as to who was the greatest. But Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors and well-doers. But this is not to be so with you; on the contrary, let him who is the greatest among you become like the youngest, and him who is the chief and leader, like one who serves. For who is the greater, the one who reclines at table, or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am in your midst as one who serves."

"Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has asked excessively that you be given up to him, that he might sift you like grain. But I have prayed especially for you Peter, that your own faith may not fail; and when you yourself have turned again, strengthen and establish your brethren." Luke 22:21-26;31,32

Three men and three different messages but equally full of the heart of the bearer:

1) The message to the betrayer- Jesus knew who it was, yet the disciples didn't. Jesus was giving Judas an opportunity to come clean and repent.

2) The message to the future leader(s). Thie fight to be first seems to be something this lot did regularly, we see it in other gospels as well. Yet, patiently, Jesus instructs them on what true leadership is all about- servanthood.

3) A personal message to Peter. Peter was about to fail Jesus yet Peter did not see it coming, he was too sure of himself and did not know his true lack.

These three messages were given at the last final meeting before the big event, the crucifixion. We have all been in final meetings before someone is going away. It could be a family meeting and what needs to be done around the house in the parents absence, a work meeting where the boss is going away. I remember such meetings and the atmosphere at that meeting. Jesus knew what He was about to face and it lay heavily on Him. He knew that Judas, one of His was going to instigate the action. This would have hurt, also the fact that He had given Judas an opportunity to confess: 'it is me, help me!'

After the disciples try to find who it is, and Judas successfully covers his sin, the disciples move on to who is greatest, from who is worst. This is almost comical if the reality of Jesus' pending suffering was not so patent.

Next comes Peter, one of the contenders for the leader's role, I am sure, is faced with a truth which he also rejects, with dire consequences.

Yet, lovingly, Jesus delivers His messages and then goes to pray. He is not exasperated by the humanity but prays for it. Praise Him! Amen!