Mark 14:12–26, April 15, 2025 (Tuesday)

"Mark's Upper Room photographed during the pilgrimage"

22 While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.”23 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. (Mark 14:22-23)

We have now finished reading the book of Numbers and have moved into the Gospel of Mark. The schedule seems to have been providentially aligned with Holy Week. Today's passage contains two significant scenes: one is the sharing of the Passover meal in the upper room of Mark's house, and the other is Jesus' act of blessing the bread and wine at the table.

Within these two scenes, there is another critical message—that Judas Iscariot will betray Jesus. This revelation adds deeper meaning to the Passover meal, connecting the Jewish tradition of deliverance with the impending suffering of Jesus. It is not merely a narrative development but a meaningful overlap between the feast of Passover and Jesus’ sacrificial death.

Passover recalls how the Israelites escaped the final plague in Egypt—the death of the firstborn—by marking their doorposts with the blood of a lamb. In the same way, Jesus is now being led toward his death, a sacrificial shedding of blood like the Passover lamb, triggered by Judas' betrayal. The parallels are striking.

As we walk through Holy Week, these days may feel repetitive, especially for those who’ve observed them year after year. But reflecting on past observances gives them deeper meaning. The tradition of holding early morning prayer services during Holy Week has become a cherished practice in many churches—not simply to make people suffer through waking early, but to make a sincere effort to remember Jesus’ suffering and to respond with devoted hearts.

I remember as a child how the early morning services were filled with special music, prepared by different church groups or small group gatherings. One vivid memory I have is of an older youth who came to the 5:00 a.m. service fully made up, ready to sing. We laughed, we teased—but behind those memories was a sense of commitment. Everyone prepared with all they had, even for those early hours.

These shared experiences, though sometimes awkward or humorous, became foundational for our faith journeys. Some parents even brought their children to those early services, and through those moments, the children formed lasting spiritual memories of church.

Today, we live in a time where simplicity is celebrated—streamlined, clean, and minimal is the norm. But there’s something enduring and powerful about the faith of the previous generations. Their rough-edged but sincere devotion, confessions, and efforts still linger in our memories and shape our faith.

Remembering Jesus' suffering isn’t just about recalling the crucifixion. It’s about remembering how the church grew stronger through that time, how individual faith was tested and restored, and how lost faith found its way back. That is why Holy Week is meaningful.

We have been saved through our faith in Jesus Christ. Holy Week is the first step in this mysterious journey. May this time be well remembered, a time to rekindle your faith, and a time to pass down an unwavering faith to the next generation.

Meditation

What memory in your life helped shape your faith today?

Intercessory Prayer

• Let us pray for those who will be baptized and confirmed this Easter.

• We are preparing for the Easter Egg Hunt. Please pray for this event—it will be the first since our move to Orinda. May it be joyful, well-prepared, and filled with grace and happiness.