Sunday: The Plot Against Jesus — Matthew 26:1-5; Mark 14:1-2; Luke 21:37-22:2
Jesus often spoke of what He was to suffer; in fact, His betrayal was so imminent that the Jewish leaders were meeting to plot the details of how they would arrest Jesus without causing an uproar, and how they would eventually put Him to death.
Monday: Thirty Pieces of Silver — Mathew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-6
Even among those whom we’d consider the most spiritual or those who seem to be walking ever close to the Master, human failings and Satan’s temptations can creep in. If we aren’t diligent to keep our focus on Jesus, we can fall into sin’s temptations. Judas was one of the chosen. He walked with the Master and was part of the 12. Yet Judas was enticed away from the path of the Master by the temptation of silver. His love of money caused him to stray from his love of Jesus.
Tuesday: Preparing the Passover Meal — Matthew 26:17-19; Mark 14:12-16; Luke 22:7-13; John 13:1
The disciples were worried about where they would eat the Passover meal. They knew there were important preparations to be made. They approached Jesus with their concern, but Jesus was not worried. He gave them instructions that showed that He knew all the details of where they would spend the Passover and with whom they would stay. This reveals that our Lord, like His Father, knows all things even before they come to pass and it certainly cements Jesus’ claim that He is the Son of God. Additionally, the backdrop of the Passover holds deep significance in consideration that Jesus is the Lamb of God who was slain for the sins of the world.
Wednesday: The Servant, Jesus — John 13:2-5
In John 13-17 the theme is Love. In these chapters alone, the word “love” appears 31 times. In these first verses, Jesus showed how ministering to others is the ultimate expression of Love. When He introduced the emblem of footwashing, He demonstrated the humble service of the King of Kings to mankind. And as we continue to share in this service, we reiterate that as Christians, we follow His example and serve each other.
Thursday: Washing Simon Peter — John 13:6-11
The disciples didn’t realize the significance of what Jesus was doing when He washed their feet. At first Peter objects, but when Jesus explained that without being washed, Peter has no part with Him, then Peter enthusiastically embraced the act. Still, though, Peter doesn’t understand the symbolism of the water nor act of servitude that footwashing represents.
Friday: Do as I Have Done — John 13:12-17
Jesus instructed His disciples that as He had ministered to them by washing their feet, so they are to minister to others. The disciples are commissioned to pass on the selfless love that Jesus freely gave. Unlike other religious leaders of their day, Jesus wanted the disciples to shun pride and selfish ambition, and seek to serve in humility, thanksgiving, and grace.
Saturday: Announcing His Betrayal — Matthew 26:20-25; Mark 14:17-21; Luke 22:21-23; John 13:18-30
Even as Jesus told His disciples to love one another, Jesus fully realized that one of those there would betray Him. This is a fulfillment of Psalm 41, which describes a betrayal by a friend and is a shadow of the method by which Jesus Himself was betrayed. Then Jesus reminds that He has grace to receive any who come to Him and accept Him—even the vilest of sinners.