Jesus has been preparing for the purpose He has been sent to accomplish--that of salvation. It is no coincidence that He finds Himself in Jerusalem for Passover.

Passover comes from when Israel was enslaved in Egypt. God sent plagues to cause the Pharaoh to release the Israelites and the last and worst plague was the death of every firstborn male. But, God provided a way of salvation for his people in instituting Passover. For the Israelites who had posted the blood of the sacrificial lamb on their door, the Lord’s judgment passed over them, sparing their sons. God called His people to remember their redemption in the Passover feast once every year.

In today’s reading, Jesus explains the full meaning of the Passover and fulfils it, instituting new significance as he re-defines this promise of deliverance for those who trust in Him. He identifies the Passover as a foreshadowing of the work of the Messiah; He would be the sacrificial lamb that would satisfy the judgment of God in a more complete way than the blood of lambs could.

Jesus makes it clear in instituting what we know as communion that a new exodus--a new redemption--greater than the release from Egypt is about to take place. He is the means to eternal reconciliation with God; He is the perfect sacrificial lamb. John the Baptist prophesied this at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry: “Behold, the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1.29).

Take time today to ponder this amazing truth.

[Luke 22.7-23]

7Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it.” 9 They said to him, “Where will you have us prepare it?” 10 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 11 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?’ 12 And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.” 13 And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

Institution of the Lord’s Supper

14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him.15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 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.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. 21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. 22 For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” 23 And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What does Jesus tell the apostles to do to prepare the Passover celebration? [vv. 7-13]

+ What does Jesus mean when he says he “will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God? [vv. 15-6, 18]

+ What significance might there be in Jesus breaking the bread before he gives it to his disciples? [v. 18]

+ Why does Jesus say, “Do this in remembrance of me”? [v. 19] How do we remember Him in communion?

+ What is the new covenant that Jesus promises in v. 20? What is the new covenant founded on?

+ What does Jesus foretell about the man who will betray him? [vv. 21-22] Why would Jesus say he knows he will be betrayed?

+ What does this passage teach us about the nature of God and his redemptive story for us?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Do I believe that it is only by the blood of Jesus shed for my failings that restores me to God? Do I need to repent of a “Jesus and ____ [success, money, recognition, others’ approval]” mentality?

+ How can I remember Jesus and honor Him in communion more?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?