Last Supper

Introduction:

· Many martyrs died more noble deaths (yet are forgotten); why does Jesus’ death stand apart?

· Jesus’ urgent desire: without this meal, the cross would have made no sense, to them or us.

SO LET’S UNPACK THIS – LET’S SEE HOW JESUS REWRITES THE PASSOVER SO THAT WE ARE A PART OF THE STORY, AND HE REWRITES WHAT GREATNESS LOOKS LIKE FOR US.

I) Jesus Rewrites the Passover Story

A. Jesus is Drinking the cups of Salvation

i. Luke’s gospel is unique in its telling of the Last Supper (vv. 17, 20)

1. Reading gospels: Comparing them helps us see emphases & foci

2. In Luke’s account, Jesus pours out a cup not once, but twice

ii. Jesus is reenacting the Seder Meal (vv. 7-12)

1. The structure of the Seder: not drinks, but 4 cups, and a meal

2. Blessing; plague; redemption; thanksgiving

iii. Jesus drinks the cup of plagues: (vv.17-18)

1. The cup of judgment illustrated God’s judgment on Egypt to free us

2. Jesus doesn’t drink it here…because he would drain the cup on the cross.

iv. Jesus drinks the cup of redemption (vs. 20)

1. The cup of redemption recalled the lamb’s blood shed to redeem Israel

2. Jesus pours out HIS blood as the means of establishing a new covenant

B. Jesus is the Bread of our salvation (vs. 19)

i. In between, Jesus shares the bread

1. The Matzah illustrates reminded Israel of the Exodus

2. Jesus is unleavened, sinless “bread” who is striped & pierced

ii. What does it all mean for us:

1. “There is no condemnation”: death stands against us but Jesus drank the cup of judgment God’s anger dry: God isn’t punishing us

2. Cancel Culture & Grace:

Transition:

II) Jesus Rewrites Our Ideas of Greatness

A. What does greatness look like?

i. The disciple’s reaction reveals their lack of understanding

1. One would betray; one would deny (vv. 21-23, 31-35)

2. And all begin fighting about greatness. (vs. 24)

ii. HOW: The world uses power to control others (vv. 25)

1. ‘Lording over” means using your power to control or manipulate others

2. EXAMPLE: A supervisor who takes pleasure in bossing; parents;

iii. WHY: The world uses power to seek greatness for self

1. “Benefactors” did favors for a city, expecting accolades in return

2. EXAMPLE: Some people live for their reputation, their “greatness”

B. The Gospel Redefines Power & Greatness (vv. 26-28)

i. Jesus redefines greatness as humble service to others

1. With Jesus, true greatness looks more like service

2. With Jesus, we use whatever “power” for the benefit of others

ii. Jesus redefines power as service to others

1. EXAMPLE: Jimmy Agan gets a glass of water

2. EXAMPLE: Isaac’s uses wealth, gifts, talents, to serve the at-risk

iii. How this all ties together: A Whole New Picture of Salvation!

1. Jesus led an “Exodus” by becoming weak, and small, the lowest…

2. Why? In order to create a people set apart to serve those around them

Transition:

Conclusion

Jesus has created a new “kingdom” of people, called to use their authority to serve.