"I tell you the truth; I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God." When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Mark 14:26 (NIV)
The darkest time in human history is rolling in. The Apostles are hearing something they don’t want to hear. They are not understanding all of it, but what they do understand, they find frightening. Their Master will be leaving them. How can all of the things he talked about come to pass when Jesus is leaving them? They are confused, horrified, and scared to death.
Jesus knows what’s next. It is the reason he came to earth. He knows the emotional, spiritual, and physical episode he will go through is unprecedented. Never before, in the History of time, has the Father turned his back on his son. This frightens Jesus far more that the physical torture he will undergo.
At this point, Jesus and the Apostles do something that sounds strange to us. Christ needs their fellowship, he needs their support. But he also knows the path Judas and Peter will take. In your mind’s eye, picture the Last Supper. Jesus and the Apostles begin to sing. Yes, Jesus sings! He sings now because he knows they will be mourning soon. He sings to enjoy one last time of fellowship before the events sweep him into the grave. They share their last song together as they sing in the darkness.
Copyright 2007 Timothy E. Davis