Scripture: Mark 14:12-25
Preparation
Peter and John prepared for the Passover feast. That meant getting the sacrificial passover lamb, gathering the bitter herbs, making the sweet marror apple fruit dish, having enough wine and unleavened bread – all ready for the symbolic meal that gave thanks to God for rescuing His people from slavery in Egypt and saving them from the judgment of death of the first-born throughout Egypt. Each element helped parents tell their children and grandchildren about God’s faithfulness and great provision through their history.
In Luke 22:15-16 Jesus sat down with his disciples and said, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”
I love this detail, Luke provides. Jesus earnestly desired to share Passover with them. Jesus knew that his death was near and he wanted one last time of fellowship. What he would say and do that night would change history. But first, there was impossibly bad news to share with them.
Prophecy
14:18. While they were eating the Passover meal, Jesus declared, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me. To break bread with someone was to enter into a pact of friendship and mutual trust. Eating together was evidence of peace, forgiveness, and brotherhood. To betray the one who had given you his bread was a horrendous act. It would be an act of incredible treachery to break bread and then to betray your host. Not only was it someone who was breaking bread with Jesus—but it was one of his own friends who had been with him for the past three years of ministry. This must have seemed unbelievable to the disciples. They did not know that Judas had already made arrangements to betray Jesus.
Passover
The actual Passover meal was divided into four parts, each concluding with the drinking of a cup of wine. A blessing was first pronounced by the family head over the gathering. Then, in response to a child’s question, “ ‘Why is this night different from other nights?’ ” the father recounted the deliverance from Egypt according to Deut 26:5–9. Next, the father pronounced a benediction over the various foods that symbolized the bitter captivity in Egypt and both the hardships and blessings of the Exodus: unleavened bread, bitter herbs, greens, stewed fruit, and roasted lamb (with no bones broken). Family and guests were then invited to partake of the meal. Near midnight the feast concluded with the singing of Psalms 116–18 and the drinking of the fourth cup of wine.
ALL – UNITY
Mark is the only Gospel writer who adds, “and they all drank from it.” The “all” echoes throughout the remainder of the chapter, recalling both the grace of Jesus and the failure of the disciples: they “all drank” (v. 23), they “all [swear allegiance to Jesus]” (v. 31); but they “all fall away” (v. 27), and they “all fled” (v. 50). The original Last Supper is attended by traitors (v. 18) and cowards (v. 50); it a table not of merit but of grace!
The new covenant was accomplished, once and for all, by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross (Heb. 9–10). The new covenant would take away sin and cleanse the heart and conscience of the believer. Salvation no longer would come by Old Testament temple sacrifices but by faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior. The prophet Jeremiah prophesied of such a day (Jer. 31:31–34). This day was about to happen.
Take Aways
The Passover Feast Jesus shared with his disciples is repeated every month as we celebrate our unity in Him. that’s why we call it Communion. We eat the bread and drink the cup proclaiming our salvation through his blood until he returns and we have a final Wedding Feast together in heaven. Revelation 19 tells us that believers are the Bride clothed in fine linen, bright and pure – we are clothed in Christ’s righteousness. Nothing we can do ourselves.
Invitation – God invites anyone to fellowship at His table but only by repenting and trusting in Jesus Christ as Savior.
Do you look forward to fellowship with your church family? Or do you only come when it is convenient?
Does your church family really know you? Do you know them? Come to a Growth Group for regular food and fellowship.
Are you earnestly waiting to share the final Feast with Jesus in Heaven? If you are, you will want to bring everyone you know with you. Share your invitation with everyone. It’s more than a plus one!
