The Lord’s Supper (Luke, Part 11) Series

The Lord’s Supper (Luke, Part 11)

Luke 22:1-38

Introduction / Recap

- Last week, we discussed the teachings of Jesus surrounding His return

- Bottom line: We DO NOT fear His return, but we can’t misunderstand it either

-- We should know the signs behind His coming, and be ready to explain them

-- In that knowledge we gain strength and courage for what’s ahead of us

-- We are to live as servants who expect the Master to return at any moment

- This is our calling: to be fully prepared for His arrival

-- We should not be afraid of it – but welcome Him because we are ready!

- Today we are going to examine the events surrounding His final Passover

-- This is traditionally referred to as the Last Supper (or communion to some)

-- A well-known painting by Leonardo DaVinci memorializes this (PHOTO)

-- From L to R: Bartholomew, James (son of Alpheus), Andrew, Judas, Peter, John, Jesus, Thomas, James (son of Zebedee, John’s brother)), Philip, Matthew, Thaddeus, and Simon

- IMP of this event: It is really the final time Jesus will be with all His disciples

-- Because of that, His words of urgency/preparation are very relevant to us

- Read Luke 22:1-38 / Pray

Point 1 – The plot against Jesus unfolds

- The Passover is supposed to be a joyous feast and a festive occasion (v1)

-- Purpose: Celebration of God’s people remembering their deliverance

-- To remember their escape from slavery in Israel (under Pharoah)

- But we can’t miss the juxtaposition of events:

-- One on hand, there is a celebration of divine deliverance from captivity

-- And on the other, there is the plotting to take the life of God’s Deliverer (v2)

- Many ask why the religious were so opposed to Jesus, here it is:

-- They feared losing control over the people they lorded their power over

-- If an uprising could occur, and they would follow Jesus, they’d lose

- No different than today: if you don’t have enough votes, you lose an election

-- Or, if enough people take a stand against something - it gets defeated

-- The religious knew this … and they are desperate to remain in power

- In conjunction with the religious, Satan was also in opposition (v3)

-- His purpose is simple: Destroy the relationship between God and man

-- So, he is seen entering Judas, stirring in him to make a deal against Jesus

- Chat: If Satan could destroy Jesus - mankind could never be saved

-- If he could prevent Jesus from his fulfilling His mission, we’d be doomed

-- But that is his problem: He doesn’t know Jesus must die to save man!

- It is a true revelation for of Satan’s limits (don’t miss this):

• He is NOT omniscient

• He does not know God’s plans

• His knowledge of what is to come is on a limited scope

- LESSON: We need to remember this when we come against him today!

- Next, we see Judas, a covetous man who valued worldly offerings

-- Judas was one of the original 12 disciples, called by Jesus to follow

-- He knew Jesus, walked with him daily, saw the miracles & heard the teaching

-- He knew the message of and the importance of repenting from sin

-- But he was NOT a genuine believer who gave his life to Christ

- HUGE WARNING TODAY: Even we can know the stories & not be following!

- He was also a man who coveted the world and what it could offer him

-- Matthew 26:15, “and asked, “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver.”

- The disciples knew him to be a thief, he was a man after earthly rewards

-- Take a look at a familiar story and look at his focus vs. what is happening

-- Display John 12:1-6, discuss events: worship of Mary vs. greed of Judas

- Judas filled his heart for the lust of the world, it meant more than godly things

-- Since Jesus did not overthrow Rome after the triumphant entry, he was bitter

-- His heart hardened even more, and he became part of those plotting

-- Re: Satan was now dwelling in him, and suggesting that he continue to sin

- So, he makes a covenant with the world (v4) to betray Jesus

-- APP: It is a great warning to you and me: Be careful who you follow

-- More than that: Be sure you are serving God for the right reasons

-- Heed the warning: If one of the twelve can be deceived, so can we!

- TR: With this warning before us, let’s answer a key question …