March 30th, 2012
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

Celebrate!

Please see the links to our EXTRA Bible Study notes at the bottom of the page.

Opening Prayer

Dear Father, I praise You for the gift of Your power and strength, which enables me to stand firm in times of crisis.

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.

Meditate

Celebrations are good times to be with family and friends. Today we will read of a celebration that has been going on for thousands of years.

Think Further

Luke wrote earlier of Jesus’ warning about those who will seek to destroy the disciples because of their beliefs. Today, Luke tells us that betrayal, suffering and death are waiting to happen to Jesus. His enemies are moving in, determined to destroy him (1-6).

Consider what could be your reaction if you were certain that someone had plans to destroy you. We see a surprising response from Jesus. Instead of being depressed over his betrayal, he prepares a celebration (7-13) to put everything in the right perspective. First, he aligns himself with a greater historical pattern. The Passover, in which God had intervened miraculously with God’s people (Exod. 12), is the framework for the celebration; betrayal and death are the present circumstances. Then, Jesus invites his disciples to celebrate (14-23); he had “eagerly desired” (15) to celebrate with his disciples. He builds on the historical event and gives a new, additional meaning to God’s redemptive power. When he gets to the climax of the celebration, he says, “do this in remembrance of me” (19). Thus, Jesus calls us to continue the celebration that started in one room in Palestine, and continues around the world and throughout history, with millions and millions of celebrating disciplesﾗincluding you!

The human race was not able to live under God’s will, so they lost their alignment with God. God promised a permanent way of restoring that alignment through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Yet, before this event took place, God gave us other events to symbolize the redemption to come, the main ones being Passover and the Lord’s Supper, or Eucharist.

Apply

Look back to the redemptive acts of God. Celebrate with other Christians at the table at your first opportunity.

Closing prayer

Lord Jesus, You were known to the two on the Emmaus Road when You broke bread with them. Reveal Yourself to me when I next gather at Your table.

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