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October 7, 2007
"A Meal to Remember"
Discovering The World's Most Important Book—Part 4
Luke 22:1-46
As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.
—Luke 9:51
But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin...So from that day on they plotted to take his life.
—John 11:46-48, 53
1. The Last Supper: What did it mean for Jesus?
"For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God."
—Luke 22:16
It symbolized the fulfillment of His mission.
2. The Last Supper: What does it mean for us?
It is a way to remember and proclaim what Christ did for us.
- The bread: His body broken for us.
Then Jesus took some bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to the apostles, saying, "This is my body, which I am giving for you. Do this to remember me."
—Luke 22:19 NCV
- The cup: His blood shed for us.
And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood."
—Luke 22:20 NASU
3. The Last Supper: What does it mean for God?
After supper he took another cup of wine and said, "This cup is the new covenant between God and his people-an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you."
—Luke 22:20 NLT
It symbolizes the New Covenant in Christ's blood.
Lifework
Remembering what Christ did for us helps us live purified lives for Him now.
A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.
—1 Corinthians 11:28-29
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.
—2 Corinthians 13:5
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
—Titus 2:11-14
"The Cross of Christ"
Personal and Small Group Study
Getting Started
- Where is one of your favorite places to eat as a family? What makes that place so special?
- When you were growing up, what were meal times like? What is one vivid memory you have of a meal with your family?
Digging Deeper: Read and Reflect
- The Last Supper (Luke 22:1-46) Imagine you were around the table at this first communion. Describe what you might have thought and felt. What causes you to remember Jesus today?
- Arrest and Trial (John 18:1-40) Explain the actions and motivations of the players in this passage—Caiaphas, Pilot and Peter. What was their attitude toward Jesus? Do you believe there is such a thing as absolute truth? Why?
- The Crucifixion (John 19:1-42) Why did so many people seem to hate Jesus? Do people still have such strong feelings about Jesus today? Why? What is the significance of Jesus' death on the cross?
- The Resurrection (John 20:1-21:25) For you, what is the most convincing evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ? Is Jesus' resurrection the "linchpin" of the Christian faith? Why or why not?
- The Ascension (Acts 1:1-11) What would it have been like to witness Jesus' ascension? How might you have felt? Do you think Jesus will return to earth someday? How does that affect your beliefs and actions today?
Applying It To My Life
- What does sharing in communion or the Lord's Supper mean to you? What do you think about during it?
- What would it mean to apply Jesus' words about service (v.27) in your family life? What about your work life or church life? What makes it hard to apply this principle?