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What makes this night so different than any other night?

Jews for centuries have asked this question as they celebrate their unique experience of the salvation of the Living God… as they give thanks once more for being set free from the chains of their slavery.   Beginning with that fateful night in Egypt long ago… every Passover night they have told this story to their children and to their children's children.  Every Passover night they gather their families and commemorate the mighty acts of God… in particular this one mighty act of God.

As they eat the bitter herbs dipped in salt water they remember the pain and suffering of the whip and the tears of terror as their children were ripped from their arms.  And… as their eyes water from the horseradish and their throats burn they once more feel like screaming for help into the dark of night.  And as they drink the cup of the plagues they are reminded that freedom comes with a high price tag.

But their story is not just one of pain.  The sweet apple mixed with honey reminds them that work is a gift from God… and the egg reminds them that God's creation has built into its very fabric the promise that life overcomes death.  And as they drink the various cups of blessing they are reminding that fear is always temporary because God's love will always triumph over evil.

What makes this night so different than any other night?

That was the question bouncing around in James' head as he entered the upper room where the Passover dinner was set.  

He has heard the question posed every year on this special night… even got to ask it on several occasions himself as he and his brother John were growing up… but tonight… tonight it has taken on a special urgency… because things just haven't turned out the way James thought they would.  And now… now he has no idea what to expect when this night is over.

James was one of the first to turn away from the world to follow Jesus.  Early on he recognized… with Peter, Andrew, and his own brother John… that Jesus was special.  Not only had John the Baptist called him special… but… he had heard the family rumors about his cousin Jesus since he was a young boy… and Jesus had certainly lived up to the stories told about him.

Dad and mom had missed the two of them when they had quit fishing on the Sea of Galilee and gone to fishing for men… but they understood… and they truly believed that something good would come of James' discipleship training with Jesus.  They all believed that God was about to usher in His eternal kingdom… and they were proud to have their twin boys known as friends of "the one who comes in the name of the Lord".

And just 4 days ago it seemed that the stage was set… the time had fully come… the stars were perfectly aligned… and all systems were go.

Just 4 days ago they had entered Jerusalem, the sacred city of God, with the crowds singing Hosanna… "Save us Jesus".

Just 4 days ago it seemed as if the authorities had finally given up and crawled back into the dark, dank, smelly holes from which they had come to work their wickedness.

Right on cue… it seemed as if all their preaching, and teaching, and miracle working would pay off… and James was thinking that maybe he and John would get seats close to the head table after all.  

Just 4 days ago it seemed as if Thomas had been wrong… Jerusalem had welcomed them with open arms… death, for Jesus and for them, seemed a long way off.

But tonight… 4 days ago seems like an eternity.  

Tonight is the first Passover James is not going to be sharing the sacred story with his family.  

Tonight the followers of Jesus gather like criminals instead of free men.  

Tonight they tell the story as if they are getting ready to make their own dash through the Red Sea.  

Tonight the disciples of Jesus eat this sacred meal expecting to be scattered to the 4 winds at any moment.

Tonight the angel of death seems to be on the move again… and James almost feels like he is back in Egypt that first Passover night.

Judas and Jesus seem to be having quite a discussion… but he can't quite make out what they are saying.

Peter once more is trying to call the shots.

Thomas is almost without words for once.

And the rest seem just as confused as he feels.

He has known the power of God flowing through him on those days and nights when he did as Jesus asked and ministered to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.  And he, like the others, has known the joy of healing the sick and the possessed.  James and the other disciples have seen and heard things no one else could possibly know.  And yet… here they are… gathered on this sacred and holy night… feeling totally lost.

What makes this night so different than any other night?

James heard the change Jesus made to the story tonight… and he is still trying to understand it even as they head out to the garden of Gethsemane where Jesus wants to pray.

When the hidden bread was returned to the table Jesus gave it a new name… "This is my body which is broken for you".  What James has called afikomen all his life… Jesus now says is his body… his broken body.  

Just what is that all about?

And when they lifted the third cup representing God's covenant relationship with His people Jesus added new words… "This is the cup of the new covenant, sealed with my blood."  What James has drunk all his life in celebration of life saved from death… Jesus now says is his blood… poured out for the sins of the world.  

Just what can he mean?

James doesn't understand.  He doesn't have a clue as to what the next few days, weeks, and months hold for him.  He has no idea that he will be the first leader of the Lord's Church… or that he will be the first of the apostles to be killed for preaching Jesus.  He doesn't know that his brother will one day put this whole story on parchment and never once mention his name.

The only thing that matters to James as he shares this Passover meal with Jesus one final time is that he is a part of the Lord's family… he is here with his heavenly family celebrating the Good News of the salvation of the Living God.

What makes this night so different than any other night?

What do we think as we gather here in the dark of night?  What do we think as we come to take our place at this sacred table to share this holy meal?  Will we listen for the Spirit?  Will we pray for understanding and courage to live faithfully for him who died for us?

This table has been made ready for you.  The bread is broken.  The cup is poured.  Unlike James… you know how the story ends.  Can you take this bread and cup and not be changed forever?

Come and eat… and celebrate the difference that this night has made in your life… in the life of the world.    Amen.