A few years ago, myself and two other dads made preparations with six boys under 13 years of age to hike and camp in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. We mapped out the drive. We secured tents, food, water, backpacks, sleeping bags, rain gear, and a first aid kit. The anticipation of adventure and exploration was palpable on the drive out and as we began the hike into the wilderness. We were prepared. However, we did not anticipate or prepare for the smallest yet most annoying inconvenience at 11,000 feet near a mountain lake: mosquitoes! This preparation mistake on my part had a $10-dollar repellant solution. Minor detail. Major itching.

In our Holy Week narrative readings, we see preparation. The Oxford Language dictionary defines “preparation” as “the action or process of making ready or being made ready for use or consideration” or “something done to get ready for an event or undertaking.” The Passover Festival is approaching. A woman pours expensive perfume on the head of Jesus in preparation of His burial. Peter and John prepare for the Passover meal, the Lord’s Supper. They secure the location and the food. Yet, in His final days, Jesus’ focus is on preparing His disciples for life without Him. He prepares them for a life of service by washing their feet. He prepares them for the implications of the new covenant with a symbolic meal. He prepares them with His presence and power to fulfill His mission by teaching them the role of the Holy Spirit (John 13-17). The disciples are to serve, remember the atonement, and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. A woman prepared Jesus’ body with perfume. Peter and John prepared a meal. Jesus prepared the heart. And He is still doing that today. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus has prepared us for the way of service and a life of freedom through the atonement.

As we consider the details of Holy Week, let’s not forget that God had been preparing those details – the timing, the location, the people, the places. The Old Testament prophets foretold this week of the slain Messiah. We can trust God’s faithfulness in the details. God’s planning in the minor details have major implications for the mission He has given us. Jesus has prepared us for that mission. How are you serving through sacrifice? What sins are you confessing to God in gratefulness for the atonement? As you anticipate Easter morning, how are you walking in the peace, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit?

And the next time you camp by water? Don’t forget the mosquito repellant!