Mark 14:32-42

Maundy Thursday

In three parts

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen

Mark 14: 32-42

Dear Congregation,

The disciples and Jesus. Together they wanted to do everything. Everyone had promised Jesus to accompany him on his way. The disciples did what they said. They had been with Jesus on his walking mission for months or even years. The thirteen were a special community. They were blessed with hope. Word and deed belonged together for them.
Let us take a moment and imagine how they must have felt – full of hope and anticipation. The feeling of being part of something big must have been overwhelming. There is meaning in life, and it provides confidence and a sense of belonging.

Above all, they had a common goal: "The new Jerusalem!" They were often cheerful on the way. Every healing was like proof for them: life is turning for the better. What they had in common was their love for the Holy Scriptures. They were grateful when Jesus argued with the scribes and Pharisees. Through Jesus, they understood their Holy Scriptures better. Jesus explained everything so well and understandably.

Together they had many exciting experiences: They shared bread and 5000 people were fed. Some of them were certain: If we can find bread for 5000 people, then we can also find bread for the world.
And now an evening like this.

They certainly did not want to believe all of it. Yes, for some time there had not only been cheers whenever they arrived in a village or town. All sorts of things were being told about Jesus. Some of it was true. Differentness felt so foreign to them. They saw that Jesus was being burdened with wishes and requests. Suddenly he was supposed to save the world. And there were others who thought Jesus had far too many followers.

Here I perceive Judas's disappointment particularly strongly. He had hoped that Jesus would become more than a prophet and skilled itinerant preacher. He wanted to see further deeds: Jesus in power. Jesus as the new king. That would please Judas.

Ah, this evening: when they sat together, like on so many evenings. They ate together. And then Jesus became very serious. Until then, they had felt so close to him. A strong community. And now: something was brewing. Jesus withdrew. Jesus was afraid. That was clear.

Loneliness and community: imagine how they felt in this moment. They were so connected, and suddenly Jesus withdraws. It is a reminder of how we sometimes feel when a loved one wants to be alone during challenging times.

And even worse: They had the impression: We are not able to help him. We do not know what is coming. They sensed that they could lose their Jesus – they were ashamed of their own fears and worries. They had so many questions. No answers.

Oh, that evening. Jesus so alone – they saw that he was committed to his path: He walked this one alone. They too remained alone with their thoughts, their hope, their fears. When would they perhaps understand what happened – whether they would ever understand it at all?

Do you know such 'Gethsemane moments'? Can we as a congregation support each other in such times and if yes, how? How do we deal with our fears, our fatigue, and helplessness? What is awaiting us?

Sermon Part 2 (Thoughts in separate roles)

• Judas
(One Speaker)
I am Judas. Jesus disappoints me. He should become king. That is my opinion. That is why I followed him. He would be strong enough to drive out the Romans. Unfortunately, I was mistaken. I was ready to fight for him. But now it is clear to me: Jesus does not want to fight. He is becoming weak. He will not make it. First, he talked big: the rich will have to give up, and the weak will rule.
Now he says nothing anymore.
It is a sad evening. What else can I do? I will not give up. I am giving him a chance. I will force him to take the helm. I will go to those who judge him. Tonight, he can become king. I am helping him.

Judas blows out a candle and leaves.

• The sleepy friends
(One who speaks and two others)
We are the 'sleepers.' Jesus took us with him to the garden. We were there often. Jesus wanted to pray. He asked us to stay with him. 'Watch and pray with me!' he said. Jesus was so sad. He was trembling. This strong man. He healed so many people. He gave so much hope. He gave away so much joy. He laughed and debated so much with us. We hardly recognized him in his distress. None of us wanted to leave him on his own.
But we were so tired. As if all strength were leaving us. We could not bear that Jesus was so sorrowful. We could not do otherwise. We were afraid and felt helpless. We are sorry. But we were so tired. As if all strength were leaving us. We could not bear that Jesus was so sorrowful. We could not do otherwise. We were afraid and felt helpless. We are sorry.

They extinguish three candles and leave.

• The „Onlookers“
(one speaker and six others)
We were there. When they seized Jesus, I drew my sword. I cut off someone's ear and defended Jesus. It was terrible. They came with weapons. The Romans and their helpers. They arrested him. I had to do something.
I just struck. It did not take much, then we all would have fought. But Jesus prevented it. "Stop it!" "Leave that!" he said.
Then he spoke. His voice was calm. His body motionless. He healed the wounded soldier. That was too much for me. We ran away. We left him alone. No, I did not want to be arrested.
That was Jesus' business.

They extinguish seven candles and leave.

• Peter
I am Peter. Ich ahnte, was kommt. I sensed what was coming. Then I promised Jesus that I would stay with him. He can rely on me; I told him repeatedly. He did not really trust me: Before the rooster crows, you will deny me. Not just once, but three times.
I was disappointed. I was so sure that I was brave enough.
I deceived myself and the others. Oh, what an evening that was.
Some fell asleep. Others ran away. Judas betrayed him. At least I wanted to hold on. Jesus shouldn't be so alone.
Then this maidservant comes up to me. Completely unexpected: You are one of those, aren't you? No, I am not. You are mistaken. I do not belong to them. It happened so quickly. The worst part was: then the rooster crowed. I was ashamed to my core.

Peter blows out the candle and leaves.

Sermon Part 3 concluding thought

Yes, that was a sad evening. It had started so festively. The shared meal on the evening before the great feast. And then everything changed. Violence. Fear. Helplessness. Exhaustion. Disappointment.
What was to become of it? Jesus alone – captured. Delivered up.

Many no longer believed. Some lost their hope for a while. There were many questions and no answers. Why?

These questions need time. Yes, sometimes we are on a path through a valley that lies in the shadow of death. It takes courage to walk this path.

(The Easter candle is extinguished)