The Last 24 Hours

We collectively gather this evening as sinners, not worthy to be in Your hold presence. We fall short of your glory, in our imperfection. And it is because of this helpless estate, that Jesus the Christ endured such hostility and harsh treatment, nearly 2,000 years ago. We ask that you help us appreciate the gravity of that event, tonight, and impress on our hearts the grief that was experienced through Your act of love.

Amen

HYMN No. 344 - “Grace Greater Than Our Sin”

The Communion Table as we experience it today was born out of the Passover Feast that the Jewish people celebrate every year, to remember the Lord’s miraculous deliverance out of the land of Egypt.

Jesus took two of the symbolic elements from the Passover, the Afikoman and the Cup of Redemption, and gave greater significance to their meaning by applying the truth of His sacrifice for deliverance.

**Have men come up to help serve the elements**

Please do not partake of the elements until we all do so, together.

COMMUNION Luke 22:14-20

Read v. 14-19, then partake of the bread

Read v. 20, then partake of the cup

HYMN No. 323 - “At The Cross” (refrain only after the final stanza)

After a final meal with His disciples, Jesus would lead them to the Garden of Gethsemane for a time of prayer and submission to the will of the Father.

GETHSEMANE Matthew 26:36-46

HYMN No. 310 - “Lead Me To Calvary”

Luke 22:44 indicates that Jesus was in such agony, He sweat drops of blood. This is a rare medical condition called hematidrosis, brought on by intense stress. His body began to feel the intensity of what was to come.

BETRAYAL Matthew 26:47-56

Having spent 3 years in the presence of Jesus and under His teaching, Judas betrayed Him with a friendly greeting. The irony of this action is that what took place next was anything but friendly. In fact, it would be a complete injustice.

TRIAL Matthew 26:57-68; 27:11-26

HYMN No. 316 - “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” (Jennie Bryant & Bonnie Baratta)

A trial bent on one purpose: to eliminate Jesus, ended with a known murderer being set free. Starting with Barabbas, Jesus would begin the process of taking the place of sinful man in enduring the wrath of God.

CRUCIFIXION Matthew 27:27-56

HYMN No. 315 - “Were You There?” (stanzas 1-3, a cappella)

BENEDICTION

Father in Heaven,

Thank you for this night of reflection. Thank you for the willingness of Jesus to be Your sacrificial lamb. Thank you for Your faithfulness to us. Please grant us safety as we travel this evening and a glorious celebration this Sunday.