It was on a Thursday that Jesus would eat a last meal with His disciples before His death. It was a time of celebration for everyone at the table, including Jesus.
For Jesus, it was also a time for preparation because He knew what was coming next.
All that He had done/taught/lived was leading to a very dark Friday. A day that needed to come for Him to fulfill his mission.
On Thursday, though, it was time to celebrate.
A time to celebrate rescue.
A time to celebrate deliverance from Egypt.
A time to celebrate deliverance from Sin.
A time to celebrate God’s increasing presence among them.
It was also a time to teach them about something new. He would adjust their thinking and practice in 2 ways.
1. The Passover meal would no longer symbolize God’s deliverance out of Egypt through the blood of a sacrificial lamb spread over their door posts. Now, it would symbolize Jesus’s body, the sacrificial lamb that would take away our sin.
14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. -Luke 22:14–20 (ESV)
2. Jesus would give them a new commandment. Not one to replace the law, but to demonstrate it at work within them.
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” -John 13:34–35 (ESV)
Judas would soon be on his way to betray Jesus. His complete motives were uncertain, but we know the he would be paid 30 silver coins for his efforts, and Jesus knew this, but He celebrated none the less.
As we prepare our hearts for the resurrection of Jesus, let us remember Him through His teachings and His sacrifice.
Tonight, at 6:30, we will gather at Journey for a special service of worship and communion. It will be a time of reflection, prayer, song, and communion. I hope you will join us.
Pastor Mark
