TLDR;
This sermon focuses on Mark 14:17-26, exploring the events of the Last Supper, which was both the final Passover and the first Communion. It highlights the transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament, the significance of Jesus as the Passover Lamb, and the institution of Communion as a memorial. The sermon also addresses Judas' betrayal, the disciples' reactions, and the promise of a future Passover celebration in the Kingdom of God.
- The Last Supper was both the final Passover and the first Communion, marking a transition from the Old to the New Testament.
- Jesus' death as the Passover Lamb fulfilled the sacrificial system, and Communion serves as a memorial of this sacrifice.
- Judas' betrayal was part of God's plan, but Judas remains responsible for his actions and faces severe consequences.
- The disciples' initial disbelief and self-examination highlight their humanity and the deceptive nature of hypocrisy.
- The promise of a future Passover celebration in the Kingdom of God offers hope and underscores the continuity of God's plan.
Introduction [0:09]
The speaker introduces the passage from Mark 14:17-26, which describes the events of the Last Supper. He notes that next Sunday is Easter, but the message will focus on the events in Gethsemane, maintaining the chronological flow of the Gospel of Mark. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding these last hours of Jesus' earthly life.
The Last Passover and the First Communion [2:34]
The events of Mark 14:17-26 occurred on Thursday night of Passion Week, the 14th of Nisan in the Jewish calendar. This was the Passover celebration for Galilean Jews, who observed Passover from sunrise to sunrise, unlike the Judean Jews who observed it from sunset to sunset. This Passover was significant as the last legitimate Passover and the first Communion, marking the end of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New. Jesus transitioned the elements of the Passover into the elements of Communion. It was crucial for Jesus to celebrate the Passover to fulfill righteousness and inaugurate the new memorial of Communion. This evening also provided Jesus with the opportunity to instruct His disciples, as recorded in John 13-16, and to offer the High Priestly prayer in John 17, promising the coming of the Holy Spirit.
The Passover Meal [7:54]
The lamb for the Passover sacrifice was chosen on Monday, mirroring Jesus' entry into Jerusalem as God's chosen Lamb. While the priests typically killed the Passover lambs, Jesus, the true Lamb of God, would be killed by God Himself. Passover was a memorial of the Exodus, where the sacrifice of a lamb and the application of its blood protected families from the final plague. This symbolized that deliverance from God's judgment requires the death of an innocent substitute. Although countless lambs had been sacrificed, none fully satisfied God until Jesus, the true Passover Lamb, was slain.
Secrecy and the Setting of the Passover [11:34]
The disciples inquired about where to hold the Passover, and Jesus directed Peter and John to follow a man carrying a water jar to a prepared place. The secrecy was necessary to prevent Judas from betraying Jesus to the temple police and the Sanhedrin. Jesus ensured that Judas would not know the location until the last moment, maintaining control over the timing of events. The evening began at sunset and extended past midnight, including the Passover meal, the exposure of Judas, Peter's denial, discussions among the apostles, the washing of feet, teachings from John 13-16, and Jesus' prayer in John 17.
The Final Passover [15:14]
The Passover meal began at sunset with a prayer of thanks and the first cup of red wine, diluted with water. This was followed by a ceremonial and actual washing of hands, symbolizing cleansing and holiness. It is suggested that during this time, the disciples argued about who was the greatest, prompting Jesus to wash their feet as a lesson in humility. The meal continued with bitter herbs, broken flat bread dipped in fruit and nut paste, and the singing of the Hallel (Psalms 113-118). Jesus expressed His strong desire to celebrate this Passover before His suffering, emphasizing the importance of completing the transition from the Old to the New Covenant and delivering crucial promises and teachings.
The Promise of the Kingdom [27:02]
Jesus loved His disciples to the end, providing them with essential instruction and promises. He stated that He would not eat this meal again until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God, signaling the end of all legitimate Passovers until then. This promise indicates a future Passover celebration in the millennial Kingdom, as described in Ezekiel 40-48, where Christ will officiate and the memorial will be to the cross. This prospect encouraged the disciples, who eagerly anticipated the restoration of the Kingdom to Israel.
The Betrayal of Judas [31:10]
During the Passover meal, Jesus announced that one of them would betray Him, echoing Psalm 55. The disciples were shocked and grieved, each questioning, "Surely not I?" They were unaware of Judas's hypocrisy, as he had skillfully concealed his true intentions for three years. John's Gospel provides further detail, revealing that Jesus identified Judas as the one to whom He would give a dipped morsel of bread. After receiving the morsel, Satan entered Judas, and Jesus told him to do quickly what he had to do. Despite Judas's actions, Jesus' betrayal was part of God's plan, as foretold in Scripture.
The Consequences for Judas [38:26]
Despite being part of God's plan, Judas is not exonerated. The speaker emphasizes that God uses even those who reject Him to accomplish His purposes, but they remain responsible for their choices. Judas acted on his own motives, driven by greed and selfishness, and will face severe consequences. The statement "it would have been good for that man if he had not been born" underscores the weight of Judas's betrayal and the eternal damnation he will suffer.
The Institution of Communion [42:42]
After Judas left, Jesus instituted Communion with the remaining eleven disciples. He took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "Take it; this is My body." This act, known as the Eucharist, is a remembrance of Jesus' body given for them. The speaker contrasts this with the Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation and the Lutheran concept of consubstantiation, emphasizing that Communion is purely a memorial. Similarly, Jesus took the cup, gave thanks, and said, "This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many." This signifies the New Covenant, ratified by Jesus' blood, offering forgiveness of sins and salvation.
The New Covenant and the Kingdom [49:44]
The New Covenant, unlike the Old Covenant, is fully satisfied in the blood of Christ, providing complete forgiveness and regeneration. Jesus' statement that He will not drink of the fruit of the vine again until the Kingdom of God reinforces the promise of a future celebration in the Kingdom. This celebration will include both the Passover and the Lord's Table, both commemorating the cross.
The Final Hymn [53:47]
The Last Supper concluded with the singing of a hymn, likely Psalm 136. This psalm praises God for His goodness, His wonders, and His deliverance of Israel from Egypt. The repeated line, "For His lovingkindness is everlasting," underscores the enduring nature of God's love, especially as revealed through the cross. The speaker concludes with a prayer, expressing gratitude for the rich instruction and divine encouragement found in Scripture.