Zach Young, Director of Music Ministries
I find it disheartening to be at the receiving end of minimal effort. For instance, I have noticed a decline in customer service, especially post Covid. Recently, I exited a major retail store and realized that no employee so much as greeted me, wished me a good day, mumbled a “thank you,” or even smiled in my direction. There could not have been less effort expended on giving me, the paying customer, a pleasant experience. Indeed, the very least we can do as fellow human beings is to simply look up from our phones and be present for others.
This lack of regard for our fellow man pales in comparison to what our Savior endured on the night of His betrayal. One of the most heart-wrenching phrases uttered by Jesus was a question for the disciples at the Garden of Gethsemane. As He poured out His soul and felt the crushing weight of sin bearing down, Jesus was alone. Where were His friends in this hour of trial? Snoozing, oblivious to the cosmic battle underway for the salvation of the world. Matthew records Jesus saying to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour?” Hear the exasperation, sadness, and loneliness in that brief question. Jesus had not one friend who would do the very least: just be present.
I’m tough on those disciples, yet I see the same tendency in myself. How often does my Savior bid me to “watch and pray,” but I remain consumed with my desires, distractions, and comfort? This Sunday begins the most significant week of the Christian faith. Our church leadership has planned services this Holy Week for us to gather as believers (disciples) to “watch and pray, that [we] may not enter into temptation” (Mt. 26:41). In addition to the two celebrative bookends of Palm Sunday and Easter, Jesus calls us to confront the hard things in between. On Maundy Thursday, we dine with Him at the Last Supper, knowing that we are not unlike Judas the betrayer and Peter the denier. On Good Friday, we face the evil that tortured and murdered Jesus, recognizing that we pressed the thorns into His brow and pounded the nails through His hands.
How audacious of us to sing “Hosanna” this Sunday and “Alleluia” the next without taking just a couple of extra hours to walk and talk with Jesus on the hard road to the cross. Yet, we often see many empty seats in the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services. Some will cite the god of Baal ball or other springtime athletic pursuits as more important. Maybe bedtime will take precedence over bowing the knee, or the general busyness of life will win the battle. All the while, Jesus weeps, and loves us still.
Stephens Valley Church, will you watch and pray that you may not enter temptation?
Come and worship at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, and Friday, April 3.
