Wednesday Wonderings

If tradition is allowed to speak, it tells us that on Wednesday of Holy Week Jesus did not go into Jerusalem.  There are several things which point to this possibility although it must always be remembered that it is just a possibility.  There is one verse which suggests that He was in the city just as He was the other days. Luke 21:37 says, "Every day He was teaching in the Temple, and at night He would go and spend the night on the Mount of Olives..."  What might lead to a different conclusion are two passages which refer to Him being in Bethany two days before the Passover.  (Matthew 26:1-6, Mark 14:1-3)     

One other thing which gets thrown into the discussion is something which does not happen.  On Wednesday there is no mention of some major event or controversy.  It is a day empty of drama which suggests that it was a quiet day of prayer and reflection in Bethany. Of course, none of this is going to challenge anyone's faith.  We can embrace the tradition of it being a quiet day midst a week of hurricane like conflict, or we can figure that it was not mentioned, but still unending.   

Whatever place we land, it is clear that the ominous storm clouds are piling up above Jesus and that a violent storm is about to immerse Him.  He surely knew what was ahead. He surely was using these days before Friday to prepare Himself for what would soon be required of Him.  While He was fully divine and fully human, it is also true that to be fully human would lead Him to some moments when He might have wondered if He would be able to get through this final act of sacrifice and love.