Reading Plan:
Luke 22

There are not many moments more intense than those before company arrives at your house, in the days leading up to a wedding, or the anticipation of welcoming a baby home. There are final checklists and moments of panic along with excitement and joy for what is to come.

Luke 22 begins the journey toward the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. In this passage, we see the how Jesus prepares for the coming days. But the characteristic I see most in Jesus' preparation is His compassion. Unlike with us, there is no panic, no last-minute rush, or even comments of stress. In fact, as Jesus prepared for His final days on earth He did so with His closest friends, and He extended a level of compassion and kindness compassion we can expect from our Savior.

Jesus was intentional in his preparation for gathering the disciples for what we call The Last Supper. His preparation was holy; it was obedient, and it was prophetic. We see in verse 15 that He eagerly desired to be with His friends in the holiest of moments --regardless of their ability to understand the fullness of what was happening or what was to come.

During the Last Supper, we see Jesus both teach and serve the disciples. He invited them into the story of God, teaching them to see how the prophecy was unfolding right before their eyes. Not only were they dining with their friend, but they were also participating in the very story of God's plan for redeeming mankind. Jesus taught them how to carry out the plan by serving them. He gave them the mission of the Kingdom and He displayed how God's mission would be accomplished through humility.

In verse 32, we see the compassion of Jesus in preparing Peter for his ultimate role in the Kingdom -- a steady faith to be used for establishing and strengthening the Church. And, of course, we see Jesus' compassion in the love He showed to Judas.

Following the dinner, we witness what may be the most impactful preparation of all -- preparing Himself for what was to come. How did Jesus prepare Himself? Through prayer, submission, and obedience. Fully understanding the task before Him, Jesus went to His Father, spent time with Him, sought to hear from Him, and surrendered to Him. He submitted to the will of God and willingly obeyed the command of God to give His life for ours.

Reflection & Response:

• How can you prepare your family and loved ones to encounter God by the ways you lead and love them? Ask God to show you how your preparations may be more compassionate and intentional to point others to Him.
  
• In what ways do you prepare to meet with God regularly? Ask God to help you have a heart like Jesus to pray, submit and obey.
  

Have kids?

• Jesus valued preparation. Jesus was getting ready to go die on the cross for all of us. Before He went to the cross, Jesus was sharing one last meal with His disciples. Jesus was prepared for the last supper. He was prepared to go to the cross. Jesus involved His disciples and had them prepare the room and meal that they would all meet in.
  
• Even though Jesus was the Son of God, He came to serve others not to be served. Jesus was having His last meal on earth and getting ready to die on a cross and He still served all of His disciples. If Jesus came to serve people and we want to be like Jesus we have to serve others. Who can you serve this week just like Jesus served?
  
• We know preparation is essential in having quality moments as a family. Spend time preparing for something fun you can do as a family this weekend. This may involve planning, gathering equipment, picking out the right clothes, or other matters depending on what your family decides to do. Make sure that in the planning you prepare like Jesus. In the planning and preparation for the fun adventure, make time to pray, listen to worship music, and read some verses that may apply to what you have planned.