Why You Need to Have That Guest Room Ready

(Luke 22:7-13) 

A free afternoon.

On a gorgeous day.

What a glorious prospect.

Until a request comes in.

To spend this magnificent weather day sitting inside with a friend’s mom who has dementia.

Not really what I had in mind.

But I do have room in my afternoon.

And so begins what turns out to be a glorious afternoon after all because, while her dementia is quite advanced and she naps off and on, Betty’s disposition is delightful.

Every time she wakes we have the same conversation.

Again and again.

And again.

“Hi, Betty. I’m Cindy.”

“Oh, Cindy, how nice to meet you! Thank you for coming.”

Sweet, delightful Betty.

I feel a little anonymous, yet kind of warm inside.

Perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised when I meet another anonymous person.

Stepping out of the pages of my Bible.

With the Passover celebration drawing near, Jesus sends Peter and John into an overflowing and chaotic Jerusalem.

“Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat.” (v.8)

“Where???” they ask, looking nervously at one another. 

“Where do You want us to prepare?” (v.9)

Give us an address.

A side of town.

A name.

Something.

Instead, they’re handed a trail of breadcrumbs . . .

Keep your eyes peeled for a man carrying a jar of water.

And follow him.

Wherever he goes.

Until he enters a house.

Then follow him inside.

Speak to the homeowner.

Say this . . .

The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?” 

And he will show you a large upper room, 

furnished, 

swept and ready. 

That is the place. 

(vv.11-12)

The anonymous homeowner.

Hero of the hour.

Only not really a hero at all.

Just a regular person.

In a two-story house.

Making room there for the Lord to work.

How interesting that the Greek word Luke chooses here for guest room, kataluma, is used only twice in Scripture.

Once translated guest room, as in this room, prepared and ready . . .

Another time translated inn.

As in the inn in Bethlehem . . . 

Where there was no room.

Stark contrast.

Maybe the anonymous homeowner receives a heavenly heads-up to have that upper room furnished, swept, and ready.

Or maybe not.

Either way, he is prepared.

Perhaps that’s all that’s asked of any of us.

To make room in our hearts and lives for whatever the Lord has prepared for us to step into, do, receive, or understand each day.

Later my super inquisitive granddaughter calls.

Asks about my afternoon.

Which triggers a million questions about dementia.

And Betty.

Until she’s questioned out.

I see the wheels turning . . .

Slowly a wide grin spreads across her face.

“Grammy,” she beams, “I’m picturing Betty. When she gets to heaven. And she gets her memory back. She’s going to be so happy!”

Which has me grinning all over.

Because I’m reminded of another conversation Jesus has with His disciples after supper that same night.

About heaven.

There are many rooms in my Father’s house, and I am going to prepare a place for you. 

(John 14:2)

Preparing a place . . . the model we’re to follow.

Like the anonymous homeowner.

Making room in our hearts and lives for whatever Jesus has in mind today.

See you in a couple weeks.

Love,