Primary Text: Matthew 26:26-29; Luke 22:24-38; John 13:31-35
Memory Verse: “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” Matthew 26:28-29
Introduction:
A lot of instruction for Christians is packed into the events of the Last Supper of our Lord. One of the most significant is that Jesus Himself directed that the supper He instituted, with its symbolism, was to be followed by the Church.
When we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we are reminded of the New Covenant Jesus established for us. A covenant is a contract between two parties. In the Old Testament, God made covenants with His people (Jeremiah 31:31-34). The Old Covenant required the slaying of an animal, as exemplified in the covenant God made with Abraham in Genesis 15:9-21. Establishing a covenant was costly and involved the shedding of blood, a sacred meal and a solemn ceremony.
When God established His new covenant with His children, it was very costly indeed. The cost was His only son, and demonstrated the deep love that God has for the world. Jesus’ blood was shed to solidify God’s promise to His people. Through the emblems of the cup and the bread, God reminds us of the precious life and blood sacrifice of His son, Jesus.
Following Jesus’ example by observing the Lord’s Supper and footwashing is a simple act of obedience, a simple act of remembrance, and a simple act of faith.
But there is spiritually profound meaning, as well. Its symbolic representations affect us deep within the soul—convicting us, challenging us, calling us, forgiving us, and renewing us.
It convicts us of our imperfections and challenges us to holiness. It reminds us of the servanthood of Jesus and His calling us to serve one another. It emphasizes the importance of Jesus’ sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins, and it confirms and renews within us the significance of the covenant relationship we have with God and His promises and faithfulness to us as His children.
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- What are the qualities of love that Jesus wants His disciples to have? John 13:31-35; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
- Why do leaders have to guard themselves against pride? Luke 22:24; 1 Corinthians 13:4
- Discuss why we so often try to seek “titles” for ourselves. Luke 22:25
- Compare and contrast the qualities of a leader who serves with one who “lords it over others.” Luke 22:26-27; 1 Peter 5
- List the promises Jesus made to His disciples in Luke 22:28-30.
- Explain the significance of eating and drinking at Christ’s table. Luke 22:30
- What does it mean to “rule and reign” with Christ? Luke 22:29-30
- What did Satan hope to gain by sifting Peter like wheat? Luke 22:31-32
- Why did Jesus instruct His disciples to be prepared? Luke 22:35-38
- How was being “numbered” with the transgressors fulfilled in Jesus’ life? Luke 22:37; Isaiah 53
- What vital command about partaking together of the bread and wine did Jesus give to His disciples at the Last Supper? Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20