The Last Supper (Luke 22:1-34)

Image via WikipediaBEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD
An Easter Series -- Part 2 of 7

Introduction
The Passover - The most important part of the Feast of Unleavened Bread
     - All male Jews within 15 miles of Jerusalem were required to observe it in Jerusalem.
     - The city was very crowded. Josephus: 256,500 lambs were to be sacrificed. Minimum of 10 people represented for each.
     - “Next year in Jerusalem”
     - Roman authorities took special precautions

Jesus planned it carefully
     - arranged to have the upper room at a time when space was at a premium. It was not unusual for rabbis to use such rooms as a place to gather with their students.
     - sent His disciples to carry out His well-made plan; they found everything just as He had said. They made preparation.

I. It Was an Occasion of Jesus Sharing Fellowship with His Disciples

     A.“I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 22:15-16, NASB)
(Also see Matt. 26:29)

     B. He wanted them with Him as He faced His suffering.
          1. They shared the Jewish religion.
          2 They shared the task of building the church.
          3. They were His personal friends.
          4. They were His disciples who would carry on His work.

II. It Was an Occasion of Jesus Teaching His Disciples
-- He wanted them to ….

     A. Learn the necessity and joy of fellowship.

     B. Learn humility and servanthood.
          1. He washed their feet (John 13: 2-20).
          2. He taught them that to be great, they must be servants. Their conduct regarding who should receive the greatest honor was unseemly, yet the Lord was very patient and gracious toward them.
          3. He assured them of a place of honor in His Kingdom
               a. At His table
               b. On thrones, ruling over the tribes of Israel

     C. He wanted them to remember Him (“Do this in remembrance of Me.” - Luke 22:19)
          1. His example
          2 His teaching
          3. His death (I Cor. 11:26)
          4. His coming again -- “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (I Cor. 11:26, NASB)

III. It Was An Occasion of Jesus Preparing His Disciples.

     A. He would be betrayed - He showed which one would betray Him (Matt. 26: 24-25).

     B. He would be killed ( …My body, v. 19).

     C. He would establish the New Covenant by His blood (v. 20).

     D. He would be remembered (v. 19).

     E. He prays for us (Peter, v. 32).

Conclusion: The Lord’s Supper is

     A. A fellowship meal.
     B. An occasion of self-examination (I Cor. 11:28).
     C. A covenant meal.
     D. A means of remembrance
          1. Of what we know of Him, especially His sacrificial death.
          2. Of the responsibility we have taken on as Christians -- witnessing, serving, forgiving, etc.
          3. Of our love for one another.
          4. That He is coming again.
          5. That we will share in His Kingdom.

Illustration: "The Jews' Passover." Public domain.