Salvation for All

In reading today’s verses, we discover that God had a plan for salvation from the beginning of History. The Last Supper serves, for all generations, as a commemorating reminder of Jesus's death and resurrection, which provides salvation for all who believe. Christ wants us to live full and abundant lives so we can experience the true peace and joy that comes when we serve others.

It’s difficult to comprehend why the Romans and the Jewish leaders feared Jesus’ influence over the common people. The jealous crave power and control and this craving begins to rule their actions — even to the point of murder. At one point in the film, Caiaphas warns: “This Jesus is blinded by a mission. An ambitious man is like a wildfire. A single voice could turn the tide.”

While we may not know what “tide” he was referring to, we can definitely agree that Christ changed the world.

And He changed it through acts of love, service, and sacrifice. Once we’ve embraced faith in Jesus as Savior, the words from John 15:13 are a good reminder of our mission — “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” As we practice loving our neighbor as ourselves, through His love, power and authority, we can change things, too.

Questions for Reflection:

• Why do you think the Romans and Jewish leaders were so afraid of Jesus?
• Why were the downcast, broken, and needy so full of hope for what Jesus offered?
• How was the offer of the Jewish leaders different from what Jesus offered?