October 5, 2010
Central Truth
Here we see the unfathomable depths of Christ's love poured out as an undeserved sacrifice for a sinful race.
And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." 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 22:19-20)
1 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. 2 And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people.
3 Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. 4 He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. 5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6 So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.
7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 So Jesus 1 22:8 Greek he sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it.” 9 They said to him, “Where will you have us prepare it?” 10 He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters 11 and tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 12 And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.” 13 And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.
14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it 2 22:16 Some manuscripts never eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. 3 22:20 Some manuscripts omit, in whole or in part, verses 19b-20 (which is given in my blood) 21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. 22 For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” 23 And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.
"My body, broken for you." "My blood, poured out for you." Wow. Two insanely powerful phrases, much too often overlooked. These two statements almost sum up Christ's love for us.
I can't think of much that I would be willing to die for. I think that to understand the importance of those two phrases, one must try to apply it to his own life and realize what a powerful emotion it would take to offer one's own body and blood as a sacrifice. It's hard to even imagine—especially considering the fact that Christ is God, an all powerful, holy, perfect being. Why would such a being ever consider being a sacrifice for wretched, dirty, sinful humans? It would be like one giving his life for a garbage bag. Seems pretty ridiculous.
So then why did He do it? He did it out of love. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son" (John 3:16). As hard as it is to think of my parents offering me as a sacrifice, it would be even harder to comprehend when the sacrifice was to save a bunch of dirty, sinful, unholy people from the deaths they deserved. It just doesn't seem fair. That's because it's not.
God showed us grace that is totally undeserved. Jesus made the sacrifice without fear or regret and even volunteered for it. This passage is just before Jesus is brutally killed. He knows what's coming, yet still proclaims His unfailing love for His disciples and even those who are about to kill Him. The two phrases about the bread and wine are Jesus' way of letting us know how much He truly loves us and cares for us. In our daily walk with God, we need to keep this in mind, that He is more than a ruler or king, but a God who loves us more than we can ever imagine.
1. As we consider Christ's incredible sacrifice for us, what are you willing to sacrifice for Him?
2. What stands in the way of you loving God as much as He loves you?
3. What can you do in your life to show others that you love God?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What did Judas agree to do?
2. Have you ever agreed to do something you knew was wrong? Was it worth it?
3. How can you use that experience to make different choices in the future?