Jesus wants to celebrate Passover with his disciples, but it is different than other Passovers, because here he asserts that he fulfills the Passover symbolism. The Jews had celebrated the Passover for years, remembering how God delivered them from slavery in Egypt, passing over their houses and sparing their eldest sons from death.
For God to spare them, He would have to “not spare His own Son, but rather gave Him up for us all” (Romans 8:32). Jesus makes very clear that Passover was pointing to Him, and the sacrifice He would willingly make on the cross as the Messiah. This becomes our celebration in communion, that Jesus did the work to free us from sin and reconcile us to God.
Matthew 26.17-29
17 Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying,“Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 18 He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’” 19 And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.
20 When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. 21 And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” 23 He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” 25 Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.”
26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup,and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you,28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.”
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ How does Jesus tell the disciples to prepare for Passover? What does he mean when he says, “My time is at hand” [v. 18]
+ What is Jesus’ announcement to his disciples? Why do you think he says this? [v. 21, 24]
+ What does Jesus say the bread symbolizes? [26] What is he referring to?
+ What does the wine in the cup symbolize? [27-28]
+ How does Jesus remind his disciples that his passion/ crucifixion will not be the final end? [v. 29]
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ Do I believe in the power of Christ’s work on my behalf?
+ Have I betrayed Christ and need to repent?
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?