Wednesday in Holy Week
Reading John 13: 21-32
The Courage of Jesus
When Jesus had thus spoken, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was lying close to the breast of Jesus; so, Simon Peter beckoned to him and said, “Tell us who it is of whom he speaks.” So, lying thus, close to the breast of Jesus, he said to him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give this morsel when I have dipped it.” So, when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Then after the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him.
Some thought that, because Judas had the money box, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast”; or, that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the morsel, he immediately went out; and it was night. When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of man glorified, and in him God is glorified; if God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once..”
PRAYER
Prayer
Almighty and eternal God
We hang our heads at the story of betrayal
For we know it is our story too
the time we didn’t speak up,
the occasion we turned a blind eye,
those instances when cruel judgements and harsh words,
occupied our minds and fled from our lips.
We know we let you down
despite your love, despite your forgiveness
despite you calling us back
Forgive Lord in Jesus’ name.
Stand beside those who today feel betrayed
by friend, or family, employer or confidante.
You know how they feel.
the immigrant looking for stability,
the wife looking for safety,
the child looking for love.
Stand beside them that they themselves may stand,
in the light rather than the darkness,
and move forwards into living again,
despite their hurts.
In Jesus name we pray
Amen
Hymn: From heaven you came
From heaven you came, helpless babe,
entered our world, your glory veiled;
not to be served but to serve,
and give your life that we might live.
This is our God, the Servant King,
he calls us now to follow him,
to bring our lives as a daily offering
of worship to the Servant King.
So, let us learn how to serve
and in our lives enthrone him;
each other's needs to prefer,
for it is Christ we're serving.
This is our God, the Servant King,
he calls us now to follow him,
to bring our lives as a daily offering
of worship to the Servant King.
Graham Kendrick (b.1950)
BENEDICTION
And now may the blessing of almighty God
Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Be with you and remain with you
And all those whom you love
Today and for evermore
Amen
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