A Terribly Irony Unfolding
Opening Prayer
Humble King Jesus, You came as a servant to give Your life for me. I bow to honor and praise You.
Read LUKE 22:1-23
[1] Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, [2] and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. [3] Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. [4] And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. [5] They were delighted and agreed to give him money. [6] He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present. [7] Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. [8] Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” [9] “Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked. [10] He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, [11] and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ [12] He will show you a large upper room, all furnished. Make preparations there.” [13] They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover. [14] When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. [15] And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. [16] For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” [17] After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. [18] For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” [19] And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” [20] In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. [21] But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. [22] The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man who betrays him.” [23] They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
Why would Judas do such a thing?The priests were the most respectable, trusted, responsible members of society. They ruled on disputes, confirmed healings and taught people about God. Yet they sought to kill Jesus, breaking one of the commandments they taught. Worse, they did so during the most holy feast of the year as they led the nation in celebrating God’s mercy and faithfulness in leading Israel out from slavery. The terrible irony is that the one they seek to kill is the Lamb of God, the very one who is the fulfillment of the Exodus narrative.
The center of this painful story is the act of betrayal from one closest to Jesus, one who walked, talked and ate with him, his hand with Jesus’ on the table. One can’t help reflecting that the hand on the table could be one’s own. Jesus remains in control: he orchestrates every detail of those last hours together. He has eagerly looked forward to this, the beginning of a new covenant, a new tenancy of the vineyard. Now, in the very same way that God instructed the people to remember the Exodus, Jesus instructs his followers to remember this new sacrifice, to remember what he’s done for us as a public covenant renewal.
Apply
Imagine what it must have been like to be at this last supper. Remember that the next time you take communion.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, I thank You for giving us the Lord’s Supper. May it be more and more meaningful to me each time.
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