Silent Wednesday

““But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ ””
{‭‭Mark‬ ‭13:32-37‬ ‭NIV‬‬}
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Most scholars agree that Scripture does not give us any detail about what happened this day in Holy Week, which is why it is often called Silent Wednesday. Although nothing specific is recorded, there are a few things we can guess given the events of the surrounding days, and what we can learn from this is even more powerful when we look at it through the context of the words Jesus had spoken the day before. The final words of that day’s teaching, as recorded in Mark, are a warning to people to always watch and be alert because we don’t know when our time is up. Jesus wants us to know that what we do every moment of our lives matters.
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This Wednesday was the day before Passover, so it’s likely that the minds of the disciples and many of Jesus’ followers were flooded with plans in preparation of the feast. Jesus knew His time on earth was coming to end, so it’s likely that His mind was turning to the Father for comfort and strength regarding the events He knew would soon be unfolding, and also for wisdom about what to say to those He loved before His time on earth was up. The chief priests likely waited with eager anticipation, knowing that soon Jesus would be handed over to them as promised by Judas. And perhaps Judas thought greedily about what he would do with the money he would receive for his betrayal.
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This silent day gives us the opportunity to look into our own hearts and minds and evaluate what we’re doing. Are we being watchful and alert for Jesus’ return? Are our hearts turning to Him for strength and comfort, or are we distracted by sin and greed and the things of this world? If this was your last moment, would you be pleased with what you’re doing? More importantly, would God be pleased?
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{HPZ 3.31.2021}