Are You Prepared?

N.T.#427 "Are You Prepared?"

Nov. 20, 2024 

Mark 14-Part 5

LET IT GLOW 

Soon it will be time to make preparations for the Thanksgiving dinner. I tend to consider the place it will be held, items needed, how many will be attending, and which food is my responsibility to prepare. If I am bringing desserts, then I get the ingredients ahead of time and usually bake them ahead of time and freeze them. How about you? What preparations do you make?

It was Passover Week and as good Jews, the apostles and Jesus celebrated. Preparations had to be made for it-purchase the lamb, wine, herbs, unleavened bread. No worry guys, for Jesus knew a man who would get it all for them. 

There must have been a man who had come to the Lord Jesus during His 3 years of ministry and previously offered Him an upper room, a guest room, which could be used for this special occasion. The goodman (head of the family; master of the house) of the house was some unnamed follower of the Lord. Jesus had friends in town who loved Him, obviously.

Jesus sent two of His disciples into Jerusalem, with instructions to follow a man home who was bearing a pitcher of water. (caring it on his head like the women did) they were to say to the owner, The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with My disciples? (verse 14,NLT)

The owner would then take the two upstairs to a large room that is already set up. That is where they should prepare for the meal. So the two followed Jesus' instructions, found the man, found the room, and found the items needed to prepare for the Passover meal there. The two disciples made ready for the group and made ready for the Passover. (verses 15-16) It went just as Jesus had said. 

LET IT GROW 

The disciples may have wondered where they were to spend Passover. Rooms were undoubtedly in short supply with so many people crowding the city. The room had to be cleared of all leaven no less than two days in advance. It was the last possible moment that Jesus gave the instructions. He had planned every meticulous detail for their celebration. He had prearranged the meal, the people involved, the man with the water jar, and the owner of the home waiting for the disciples. The room was prepared in keeping with the Law and furnished with everything they needed. (Swindoll)

Christ has a prearranged plan for each of our lives. Even in difficult times, everything ends up being put together as only God could have done it. It may seem so unplanned, even chaotic, but The Master has a master plan.

God formulates plans to accomplish one objective: to deepen your relationship with Him. Notice that while God's prearranged plan was happening, the disciples still had to prepare the meal. They were involved. Although God has a plan prepared for us, we still play a critical role to fill it. 

Friend, are you prepared to meet Jesus when you die? The soul must be prepared ahead of time. Believe Jesus is the substitute for our paying for our sins. Ask His forgiveness of sins and surrender your life to Him. Then your home in heaven will be prepared for you when you get there.

LET IT GO

May we seek Your will and carry out Your will, Jesus.

Help us deny ourself, take up our cross, and follow You, Savior.