The man read from a three-by-five index card he had taken from his pocket, on which the words of Jesus were written:

I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me.

Hands shaking, he took out a flask and prepared a drink to steady himself. To mark the moment. He poured the liquid from the flask into a chalice he had brought with him for this very occasion. He had come a long way.
The wine glanced off the bottom and mysteriously curled up the edges of the glass.
He paused, and then lifted it to his lips.
The tart sweetness touched his tongue and millions of receptors fired sensations all over his brain like lights in a cockpit.
Forgiveness.
Quiet.
Jesus’ hands held a cup. He lifted it toward his friends.
You will betray me.
Deny me.
Abandon me.
This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins (Matt. 26:28 niv).
Taste and see that the Lord is good (Ps. 34:8).
Jesus’ hands held a cross.
Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do (Luke 23:34). His hands did not shake. For this purpose he had come."

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