January 29, 2023: Directed and Prepared

“And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.” (Matthew 26:19, ESV)

Prepare, now that is an interesting word. It's definition is relatively straightforward. It means to make ready in advance. My favorite expression of it is John 14. Jesus says, “I go to prepare a place for you so that where I am there, you may be too.”  Isn’t that what His death was all about? To prepare a way for us so that where He is, we would come.  

The logical consideration is this: If He goes to prepare a place for us, then obviously, we have to prepare to go. We must make ourselves ready in advance. One poor fellow in scripture, Mt 22:11, did not prepare for the wedding feast. When he entered, the King questioned why he was not dressed or prepared for the wedding. The man had no answer and was quickly removed and cast into outer darkness.

In our text, Matthew 26:19, two words stand out in Jesus’ command to his disciples: He directed them, and they prepared. God so graciously has prepared a Lamb for us and lavishly poured out grace on us so that we would prepare to be with Him.

How prepared are you to celebrate communion today? Are you prepared to enter the Wedding Feast of the Lamb?