Dark Wednesday- The day before the Last Supper
The day before the Last Supper is traditionally called Dark Wednesday, since it is believed to be the day Judas finalizes the agreement with the Sanhedrin to betray Jesus. That day, Wednesday, it is believed Jesus spends the day in Bethany with his disciples in prayer and emotional and psychological preparation.
Bethany was where his dear friends Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived. Their home was likely a safe and restful haven, a place of love, hospitality and understanding. It was 2 miles east of Jerusalem, close enough to walk to the temple. Bethany fulfilled prophetic symbolism since it lies on the Mount of Olives and the prophet Zechariah said the messiah would enter Jerusalem from there.
In this quiet refuge of Bethany, Jesus would have found a sacred pause before the storm. Surrounded by those who loved him deeply, he may have drawn strength from their presence as he prepared to face betrayal, suffering, and death. The stillness of that day, in contrast to the chaos that would soon follow, invites us to reflect on the power of companionship and sacred spaces in times of trial.
Today we also reflect on those days of our lives before we faced a difficult situation. We think of days before an exam, the days before the funeral of a loved one, the days before the closure of a job or relationship. These moments were filled with a mixture of anxiety, reflection, and quiet fear.
Like Jesus in Bethany, we may have sought the comfort of familiar places and trusted companions, drawing strength from prayer, silence, and presence. In hindsight, those days—though heavy—were sacred times, where grace quietly prepared us for what was to come, reminding us that we are never truly alone in our trials.
Probably we are facing such times this Holy Week, times of trial and anxiety. If so, I urge us to reflect on Jesus as he prayerfully prepares for his passion—not in isolation, but in the loving company of friends, in the quiet of Bethany, in trustful surrender to the Father’s will.
Let us draw near to Him in our own moments of uncertainty, allowing His peace to enter our hearts. Just as He found strength in stillness and intimacy with God, may we too find courage and hope as we walk with Him toward the cross, knowing that resurrection always follows suffering.