The Rooster Will Crow
It is the evening of Maundy Thursday. The house is quiet and I am feeling uneasy. Everything is different or so it seems. I cannot remember a Maundy Thursday that I have not attended or led worship services surrounded by family and friends. The gatherings tonight were in individual homes but we were surrounded by loved ones as we remembered the events that took place over 2000 years ago in a borrowed room where Jesus and his friends had their last supper together. Perhaps is was not so different from what we are experiencing as we are separated one from another.
The story that Luke wrote in the twenty second chapter of his Gospel whispers in our ears. We hear how the plot to kill Jesus leads to the preparation of the Passover meal, praying on the Mount of Olives and the betrayal and arrest of Jesus. The twelve disciples had reclined at the table and listened to the hard words from their master teacher and friend. He had poured wine slowly into the cup and lifted it high and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” There probably wasn’t much conversation during the meal. The mood was somber. Jesus picked up a loaf of bread and lifted his eyes, broke the bread and gave thanks to God. Turning to the disciples, he said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Hand to hand, piece by piece, each one took and ate a bit of the bread. After they had eaten, Jesus poured more wine into the cup. “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood”. They looked at each other not wanting to believe what they were hearing. A stunning silence filled the room. Hand to hand, sip by sip, each one tasted the wine. “One of you is going to betray me tonight.” NEVER was their reaction. Heated voices argued like children. “It will not me”! and “I’m the greatest.” I can hear Peter saying, “I’m the one who will stand by you, I’ll die for you.” With a quiet voice and with great compassion Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day until you have denied three times that you know me.”
It was going to be a long night!
Faith Break Moment
My friend Roy made this papier-mâché rooster for me as a special gift.. This handsome bird has proudly
stood at the front of the church during Maundy Thursday services as a reminder of Peter’s denial of Jesus and ours. It reminds me that even though we promise to be faithful to Jesus and love each other as Jesus loves us, We fail, God forgives. Our friends give us gifts because they love us but Jesus, who loves us more than we can imagine, gave us the gift of the sacrament of Holy Communion at His last supper with his disciples. He gave us something to celebrate, especially during hard times that would remind us of His gift of forgiveness and salvation. I never look at the rooster without thinking of this night that began the process of changing human history and the promise of eternal life
This night is different. The rooster will crow in the morning. Jesus will carry his cross burdened with our sins on his shoulder to Mount Calvary where two thieves hang on their crosses waiting and unaware that the Son of God will die beside them. God’s plan for our salvation is in place.
There was no turning back.
