Last week with Jesus

April 3, 2026

By Editorial Team

Christ in Gethsemane by Heinrich Hoffman

“My soul exceedingly sorrowful even unto death. Stay here and watch with me” Matt 26:38.

“But I have called you friends” John 15:14.

Last week with Jesus is very weighty and full of events and instruction to the disciples. He poured into them everything pending. It was as if Jesus was working to a deadline and had things to do and instructions to give. Often I buckle under pressure, but he didn’t. He , had a TO DO list and finished everything on it! What a Professional!

Last week covers, 30 chapters in the Gospel, which is 30% of the total 89 chapters in the Gospels. It is substantial and weighty. Pls read it, even if it takes time. These are his last words. Very intimate instruction unlike the earlier sermons especially, John 13-17. The disciples took careful notes, that’s why we have those sermons. A reminder for us to read our Bibles carefully!

In this brief blog, I just want to touch upon 4 thoughts by way of reminder and mutual encouragement. We are not going to cover the events of the Cross, but a broad brush picture

Peace I leave with you (Shalom) “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, Not as the world gives do I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27. In the midst of the incoming storm, Jesus spoke words of Peace to his disciples. One thing remarkable is that whenever he spoke of the Cross in the previous months, he always completed it by citing the Resurrection in the next sentence. “Yes I am going to the Cross, but I will rise again the third day”. By doing that he was assuring them of the final end. But the disciples didn’t get it. Today, I feel the Holy Spirit breathing on these words. So whatever be your situation, I feel the Lords Peace coming upon those matters.

Jesus Prayed Even Jesus prayed when under pressure. Most of us try to divert our minds or start firing at people or just abandon things recklessly, when there is pressure. But Jesus dutifully went to his Father and asked for help. He went to Gethsemane and prayed. There he sweated blood as he was praying, imagine the agony (Lk 22:44). It was to face my punishment and yours. Picture that – the sinless son of God, under so much pressure and agony even unto death. Why don’t we pray about our burdens. Surely there is grace for us!

I have called you Friends: That day the disciples got an upgrade! Whenever I travel at the airport sometimes, because of miles or just a favour, I get an upgrade from Economy to Business class. And you feel so good. Here on Maundy Thursday, Jesus told his disciples you are no longer students under me, but my friends. “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15). Imagine being friends with God! When Jesus needed prayer, he called them near for support in Gethsemane and requested them to pray. Today God has some weighty needs on his heart, are you listening? When was the last time you prayed for an hour for some other people, other than “me, myself and family”?

Christ our Paschal lamb. He is our Paschal lamb who lived with us 3 years and was a friend and died for us. A lamb without blemish, without spot. Greater love has no man than this, than a man lay down his life for his friends. It was a gory death, so full of suffering, for my sin and yours. What else can we do, but be Thankful to him this Lenten season. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!

Across in Israel, Jews just begun their Passover on April 1st, till 9th. For 3000 years they have been celebrating this festival of their redemption from Egypt when God brought them out with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. It was the Blood of the Passover lamb that liberated them. But their eyes are still blind to seeing the Lamb of God – Jesus on the Cross. Pray for that nation, it is our duty.

As they are fighting along with US, to dismantle a nuclear Iran, they are being misunderstood and heckled. Media are crucifying them, but when Iran slaughtered 40,000 of their people in a week, all nations turned a blind eye to the massacre. The media are the modern day Pharisees. Pray also for Arab nations, and even for your own nation – India or US or Canada etc.

Jesus is returning back one of these days, and lets continue to tell others about him! The world's only hope is in Jesus!

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