Small Players

Bit actors in a gigantic production. None yelled for recognition but all played significant roles. Events changed lives. How many believed?

Mobs of people crowded the city for Passover. Narrow streets teemed with pilgrims arriving to celebrate the yearly feast.

Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”
“Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked.
He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house he enters and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large upper room, all furnished. Make preparations there.” (NIV)

The owner quickly agreed to allow thirteen men to eat in his home. Did he and his servants know who was visiting? Did they realize the significance of that last meal?

And He took the bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way, after supper he took the cup saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (NIV)

Food they had prepared became holy in Jesus’ hands. Overhearing His words, like the disciples, they questioned. What did He mean?

After the resurrection, they would certainly know they had entertained the Savior. Did they believe and follow Him?

Later that night in the Garden of Gethsemane, soldiers accompanied by religious leaders interrupted the quiet. Ignoring Jesus’ calmness, Peter impulsively drew his sword. Malchus, the high priest’s servant, with one swipe lost his ear. Blood dripped. In agony, he watched with amazement as Jesus lovingly reattached his ear.

In spite of being betrayed, arrested, and facing death, Jesus stopped to perform another miracle. Did anyone else notice? Malchus had to be changed. Did he believe?

Later that night, Peter warmed himself outside the high priest’s house. Inside, Jesus faced His accusers. Outside, Peter faced his.

“You were with Him,” a servant girl charged.

“No, I wasn’t!” Peter replied vehemently.
Three times he denied Jesus. Though she didn’t know the importance of her words, Jesus’ words to Peter were fulfilled. Peter missed an opportunity to share about Jesus but did she later believe anyway?

A man crafted a sign saying King of the Jews which was hung above the cross. Did he ponder the words and believe?

Soldiers at the foot of the cross took Jesus’ clothing home. Did they realize that what they held touched the body of the Savior? Did they believe?

Despite intense pain while hanging on the cross, Jesus looked beyond himself and forgave a criminal beside Him. One entered Paradise with Him while the other mocked and was lost.

The centurion praised God, and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” Luke 23:47 (NIV)

His life and the others who watched the execution had to be changed. Did they believe?

During Holy Week there were endless opportunities to accept or reject. Every person, then as now, makes that choice. Do you believe?

Dear Heavenly Father, help us believe. Amen