Monday 24 August, 2015

This sad, painful scenario takes place immediately before Jesus introduces to His disciples the very first Communion (as we now call it).

As Jesus reveals the sad truth of what is about to take place, the disciples had very heavy hearts and utter disbelief that one of their own band of 12 could commit such a betrayal of Jesus.  “Surely you don’t mean me?”, they all say one by one.

With this fresh reminder of what the human heart is capable of, Jesus told them that His blood would soon be poured out for them. Yes, it was shocking but true – the human heart is corrupt and Jesus was about to lay down His life for us all.

“Surely not me?” is a classic human response to being confronted with the sinfulness of our hearts. Like the disciples, how often I have adopted this attitude of pride about my own heart?

Today, rather than trying to deny my own sinfulness, I humble myself and embrace my need of the saving grace of Jesus, replacing my pride with gratitude that He has “saved a wretch like me”.

Written by Shelley Witt