The Road to The Cross Series

The Day and Hour Has Come: Embracing Our Holy Moments

Bible Passage: Luke 22:7-23

Summary: In this passage, Jesus prepares for the Last Supper, marking the culmination of His earthly ministry and foreshadowing His sacrifice. He foretells the betrayal by Judas and institutes the practice of communion, highlighting the significance of His impending death and the new covenant.

Application: This sermon helps Christians understand the importance of recognizing and embracing sacred moments in their lives, particularly in the context of relationships and community. By connecting this to our personal lives, we can encourage the audience to be intentional about observing holy moments and remembering Christ's sacrifice through communion.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that Jesus’ actions at the Last Supper set the foundation for communion and remind us of our call to remember His sacrifice. It highlights the gravity of betrayal and the reward of faithfulness, urging us to examine our own loyalty to Christ.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader context of Scripture, Jesus’ Last Supper represents the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah and serves as a pivotal moment that underscores God’s redemptive plan through Christ's sacrifice. This event points to the establishment of the New Covenant, emphasizing the essential role of Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

Big Idea: The big idea revolves around the urgency of recognizing divine moments in our lives, drawing parallels to Jesus’ final moments with His disciples, and challenging us to reflect on our commitment to Christ and His sacrifice.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider exploring the historical and cultural context of the Passover meal and its significance in Jewish tradition compared to its new meaning in the context of the Last Supper. Utilize Logos to access commentaries that highlight the exegetical nuances in verses regarding Judas' betrayal and the implications of the new covenant Jesus speaks of. Delve into text-critical issues concerning variations in manuscript traditions related to this passage to enrich your understanding.

1. Preparing for Holy Moments

Luke 22:7–13 ESV

Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it.” They said to him, “Where will you have us prepare it?” He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters and tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.” And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

Illustration:

Consider the parable of the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7. The wise man prepared by building on a solid foundation, while the foolish man did not. When storms came, only one stood firm. This illustrates the importance of preparing for holy moments in our lives, teaching us that intentional preparation can lead to strength in our faith when challenges arise.

You could emphasize how Jesus consciously chose and prepared for this sacred moment by sending Peter and John to make ready for the Passover. Suggest that, like Jesus, we need to be intentional about preparing for and embracing holy moments in our lives, recognizing God's timing and presence in ordinary and extraordinary circumstances.

2. Proclaiming the New Covenant

Luke 22:14–20 ESV

And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, “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.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

Illustration:

In the book of Jeremiah, God speaks about a new covenant He will make with His people, one that would be written on their hearts. Imagine a heart being a canvas, not just stained by sin but beautifully painted with grace, mercy, and love. This imagery powerfully illustrates how proclaiming the new covenant is not merely about following rules; it’s about experiencing a divine transformation that resonates deeply within us and spills out into every relationship we cultivate.

Perhaps you can highlight the transformative significance of the Last Supper where Jesus introduced communion. This sacred ritual invites us to remember and proclaim Christ’s sacrifice. Encourage the audience to cherish and regularly participate in communion as a holy moment where believers connect with Christ’s atonement and the new covenant.

3. Pondering Heart Allegiances

Luke 22:21–23 ESV

But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.

Maybe delve into the somber reality of Judas’ impending betrayal amidst this holy moment. Stress the importance of examining our own hearts for loyalty to Christ. This could serve as a reminder that every divine moment comes with a call to faithful discipleship, urging an honest assessment of personal commitments to Jesus.

Illustration:

Reflect on the moment a young person decides whether to follow a peer group or adhere to their faith. It’s an emotional struggle, akin to the choices faced by Daniel in Babylon—he was often pressured to conform yet chose to stay true to his beliefs. This illustrates the deep conflict we can feel as we decide whom we truly belong to and how that shapes our futures and identities.

Application:

If your home feels chaotic and communication has broken down, organize a family night focused on the Lord’s Supper. Prepare a simple meal that symbolizes Christ’s sacrifice, and encourage each family member to share how they’ve seen God’s grace in their lives recently. This can restore a sense of togetherness and healing, reminding everyone of the importance of forgiveness and love, much like Jesus did with His disciples.

Conclusion:

Nelson’s Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations & Quotes Someone Once Said …

The Lord’s Supper should be the crowning service in the church, and thus be earth’s nearest approach to heaven.—Andrew W. Blackwood*

Consider…

What was the significance of the Last Supper in Jesus' ministry according to the sermon?

2. How can recognizing holy moments in our lives impact our relationships with others?

3. In what ways can we intentionally prepare for holy moments, similar to how Jesus prepared the Passover?