Yesterday our sermon focused on how busy Jesus was on the last Sunday of his human life. As a Jew, Jesus observed the Sabbath on Saturday, so Sunday wasn't a "special day." And yet, given that Jesus knew how the week would end, it probably was a special day for him, a precious day. That last Sunday, the one we know as Palm and Passion Sunday, he walked a couple of miles to Jerusalem, rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, had a conversation with some Greeks who wanted to know what was going on, tried to talk to his disciples about what was coming, and went to the temple where he saw things that made him so angry that he accused some people there of being a "den of robbers" and chased them out of the temple. Finally, when the day came to a close, he and the disciples snuck away and went into hiding. I wonder if he slept that night.

What would you do if you knew that today was the last Monday you would see? I think about the places I haven't seen or the places I've visited and would love to see again. Maybe it's time to experience a full, luxurious spa day with friends and a fine meal afterward (on me, of course). But, I don't think any of those are what I would choose. I think it would be saying goodbye, telling some people just how much I love them, giving gifts to family and friends, and making arrangements. There would be, I imagine, laughter and tears. I suspect the same was true for Jesus.

The thing about Jesus was that just as he feared and dreaded what was to come, he also knew that his life wasn't truly ending. There would be an Easter. But, I know that is true for me as well. My faith tells me that I will experience resurrection and a new life that is far better than this one. Knowing that makes me appreciate this life all the more for the relationships I am making and the beauty I see around me. 

We may not know when and how it will end - as Jesus did - but we all know life is not stagnant. Think how boring it would be if nothing ever changed! The key is to understand that God is in the change. If our faith is a continual reminder of God's great love for us, then we know somehow all things will work together for good for those who love God. 

These are among the final words that Jesus spoke to his disciples and they are true for us as well.  “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that where I am you may be also."

That's an incredible promise, don't you think?