Highlights:
Disciples question when the end will come (Luke 21:6-7); signs preceding the end (21:8-36). Judas' cruel betrayal (22:1-6,47-53). The Passover meal (22:7-30). Peter's denial (22:31-36; 22:54-62). Agonizing prayer of Jesus; an angel ministers to Him (22:39-46).
The Israelites' annual Passover meal was a reminder that the blood of an innocent lamb and obedience to the Word of God had made it possible for their ancestors to be redeemed from death, set free from Pharaoh and Egyptian slavery, and to enjoy freedom in the promised land.
On the evening of the Passover, Jesus took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them (His 12 disciples), saying, This is My body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the New Testament in My blood, which is shed for you (Luke 22:19-20). At this Passover, our Lord identified Himself with the sacrificial Passover Lamb.
The Lord's Supper is a reminder that Jesus' death on the cross delivered us from Satan, and set us free from the condemnation for our sins to receive eternal life. This ordinance is so sacred that the Holy Spirit emphasized its importance through the Apostle Paul who wrote: The Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread: And when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is My body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me. . . . This cup is the New Testament in My blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till He come (I Cor. 11:23-26). It is of the utmost importance that we consider carefully that our Lord said: This do in remembrance of Me. He did not make a suggestion but a command. Jesus reminds all His followers: Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46).
The Lord wanted us to know that His death on the cross made the difference for us between spending eternity in the lake of fire (Rev. 20:14-15) or in heaven with Him (John 3:16; 14:2-3). The Lord's Supper is a continuing reminder that there is forgiveness for all who, by faith, accept Jesus' atoning sacrifice as the only means of receiving eternal life. It is also a time to consider what attitudes of ill will toward others, revenge, and lust need to be confessed and forsaken. The Lord's table is a reminder that whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that (the) bread, and drink of that (the) cup (I Cor. 11:27-28).
Thought for Today:
Jesus reminds us: If a man love Me, he will keep My words (John 14:23).
Word Studies:
21:4 penury poverty; 21:13 shall turn to you for a testimony will turn out to be an opportunity to tell the Good News; 21:15 to gainsay to refute, to refuse; 21:34 surfeiting overindulgence; 22:39 wont in the habit of.
Cross References:
For Luke 21:27: See Dan. 7:13. Luke 22:37: See Is. 53:12. Luke 22:69: See Ps. 110:1.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Bruce Braley (IA), Gov. Felix Perez Camacho (Guam), Rep. Peter Hoekstra (MI), and Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ) • Country: Gambia (1 million) in West Africa • Major languages: English and Mandinka • Religious freedom • 87% Muslim; 10% animism and ancestral spirit worship; 2% Roman Catholic; .7% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Call upon the Lord in adversity, for He will hear (Ps. 116:1-4,8).
Memory Verse for the Week: Mark 4:19