This passage
intimately portrays Jesus’ last supper with His disciples. It is the night
before Passover (v 1). Shorty after this meal, Jesus would be taken before the
authorities and crucified. It is no coincidence that Jesus’ crucifixion
happened over the Passover. Passover was celebrated to remember when God saved
the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. As the events of the next days
unfolded, Jesus wanted His disciples to realize the connection between what was
happening to Him and the coinciding Passover Festival. So Jesus used much of
His precious little time with His disciples to re-interpret the symbolism of
the Passover. The true meaning of the Passover was to point to Jesus – the Messiah
who would ultimately save Israel (and the world) from their sins. Two of the symbols
involved in a Passover meal were the bread and the cup. Jesus said that now the
bread would symbolize His body, which would be broken for us (v 19). The cup
was to symbolize how Jesus’ death paid for our sin, establishing a new covenant
(v 20). Although He does not outwardly say it, Jesus is alluding to one thing:
He is the Passover Lamb who will be sacrificed to atone for sins. Because of
their familiarity with Jewish feasts, the disciples would likely have made this
connection. Imagine how Jesus must have felt. He had lived closely with these
men for years. He taught them, ministered with them, and built friendships with
them. One can only imagine what a bittersweet moment this was for Jesus. He was
about to entrust them with His beloved Church. He used their final moments
together to remind them to follow His example (v 25-27). The disciples were to
follow Jesus by leading in a spirit of humility and service.
Journaling and Prayer
1. Jesus
was intentional with His disciples. He used these friendships to teach,
encourage and challenge them. Think over your circle of influence (family,
friends, co-workers, neighbours, etc.). How can you encourage someone today?
Ask God if He has any words of encouragement He would like you to share with
them.
2. We all
lead somewhere. This might be at home, school, work, church or elsewhere. Often
we lead without having a formal position of leadership. For example, when we
chose to live righteously our testimony will silently encourage others to do
the same. Ask God where He has made you a leader. Pray that you would grow in
humility and service in these areas.
3. Pray
for the Church in Canada. Pray that we might grow in the fear of the Lord. We
can only understand the all-surpassing nature of His love to the degree that we
also understand His holiness. Ask that the Canadian Church would grow in our
understanding of the cross. Pray that we would worship Jesus for what He had
done for us. Ask that the Church would be refined and become more submitted to
God’s leadership.
