The peace and quiet of the Sea of Galilee where Jesus often sought solitude with His Father.
On Wednesday of Holy week, the gospels record none of Jesus’ activities. It is a strangely quiet day. It is assumed by most that Jesus spent the day at Bethany. This does not mean that everything was quiet in Jerusalem, however. Most scholars assume that this is the day that Judas sought out the chief priests in order to betray Jesus.
“14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. 16 So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.”
Matthew 26:14-16 (NKJV)
Perhaps Jesus rested as he prepared for what He knew would be an exhausting road to the cross. Maybe he spent the day with friends enjoying them for one last time. Perhaps he had works of ministry to do that are not recorded for us in Scripture. I think it is far more likely that Jesus spent much of Wednesday with His Father. This was Jesus’ pattern. He always retreated to be with His Father before big decisions or challenging times. No doubt, He was praying for His disciples. They would soon be scattered and afraid. He may have been wrestling with the decision He knew was coming in the Garden of Gethsemane or perhaps thinking about His own friends and family would make it without Him. What I know for sure is that Jesus needed the solitude, quiet, and time with His Father.
So do you. If the Savior of the world needed some solitude and time with His Heavenly Father, do you think you might? Jesus needed some quiet…some space…some margin…to listen and to prepare for what was ahead. How about you? Are you generally so busy and planned out that quiet and peace never show up for you? Do you look up sometimes and realize that it’s been days since you were alone with God…just listening?
Isn’t it interesting that the only thing that could absolutely shut down everything in most of our lives has actually happened? Perhaps the only thing that could force most of the world to slow down and listen…has happened. Think about it. Could it be that what seems so inconvenient is actually a gift to so many of us? Maybe it’s a respite in the middle of the chaos…quiet in the middle of the noise…so that God can speak and you can listen. Are you listening?
Take courage church, God slowed everything down so that we can hear Him loud and clear.
*Be it known that life hasn’t slowed down for everyone. Our first responders and others can attest to that! The next days for Jesus were full of chaos. I have a feeling He is speaking in the chaos as well.