Mark 14:22–26

The Suffering of Christ

The last supper/Lord’s Supper is among the most sacred and solemn events and customs in all of the scriptures

It is not a light-hearted, jovial meal, but one we perform in remembrance of Jesus and the wrath He endured (1 Cor. 11:20-34)

It also deviated from the traditional observance of Passover -> a new custom is something only God could institute

The broken body and spilled blood of the Lord is remembered in this meal

This ordinance we hold puts us in remembrance of His suffering for our healing (Is. 53)

The blood of the new testament (covenant) -> this alludes to the fulfillment of prophecy (Jer. 31:31-34)

The Fellowship

The complete fellowship we have with Christ and one another is among the most beautiful pictures on this side of eternity

We are made one with Jesus, so much so that we take His very flesh and blood (symbolically and spiritually) into our own

We are made one with one another in that we all drink and eat from the same source -> “His Blood Has Made Us One”

More-so than physical blood, the precious and holy blood of Christ has made us one (1 Cor. 10:16-17)!

This is a picture of the common suffering, fighting, sowing, reaping, and promise we all share together

It is a symbol of our strength and perseverance -> we need this ordinance as a reminder!

The Future We are Still Promised

v. 25 reminds us that we are not only remembering the past -> we are reminded of our future (Is. 25:6-8 -> Rev. 19:6-9)

All the suffering that Christ endured was for a greater purpose beyond suffering for suffering’s sake

Christ’s death brought life and glory to God -> likewise our suffering is for a greater future provided for by God!

We can and must endure in sanctification unto glorification

In order to do so properly, we need one another, and we need this glorious ordinance

Notice this ordinance cannot be performed alone!