Focusing on the Facts
1. Why did Jesus sit down at the Passover meal (see p. 1)?
2. Describe the sequence of the actual Passover meal (see pp. 1-3).
3. What probably began at the point in the Passover meal when the participants ceremonially washed their hands? How did Jesus respond (see pp. 2-3)?
4. What was significant about sharing a meal with someone in the Jewish culture of Jesus’ day (see p. 3)?
5. What effect did Jesus’ announcement that one of the disciples would betray Him have on the disciples (see p. 4)?
6. What was the disciples’ question in Matthew 26:22? Why did they ask it (see pp. 4-5)?
7. Why was Christ not a victim at the hand of His betrayer (see p, 5)?
8. What future did Judas assign himself by his choice to betray Christ (see p. 6)?
9. According to John 13:27, what frightful thing happened to Judas (see p. 7)?
10. Why was the Passover celebrated the night before our Lord’s death the final, God-ordained Passover (see p. 7)?
11. What directives did Jesus give for participating in His new feast (see p. 8)?
12. What is the cup of blessing (see p. 8)?
13. What does unleavened bread symbolize in the Lord’s Supper (see p. 9)?
14. What did God require when He made a covenant with man? What did He require in the New Covenant He made with man (see pp. 9-10)?
15. How long are we to celebrate the Lord’s Supper (see pp. 10-11)?
Pondering the Principles
1. We know from Luke 22:24 that the disciples argued over who would be the greatest in the Kingdom when they were probably going through a ceremonial cleansing of their hands. At a time when they should have been dealing with their sin, they were filled with pride. Evaluate the pattern of your life, and especially your attitude when you participate at our Lord’s Table. How often have you come without truly dealing with a certain sin in your life? Take this time to examine yourself. Ask God to search your innermost being and reveal your sin. When you have isolated that sin, determine what kind of effort you will exercise to turn from it. Remember, your power to deal with any sin is only as strong as your dependence on God in all areas of your life. Be faithful to constantly examine your life.
2. The purpose of the Lord’s Supper is to remember what God has done for us in providing salvation in Christ. What you have learned about Christ’s sacrifice on your behalf that has been especially meaningful to you? Do you thank God regularly for the ultimate victory over sin and death that He has provided in Christ? After meditating on Isaiah 53, Ephesians 1-2, and 1 John 4:7-11, consider what impact Christ’s death should have on your life. Having died to sin, are you living unto righteousness (1 Pet. 2:24)? Do you see good works in your life (Eph. 2:10) as a response of your gratitude for what God has graciously accomplished for you?
“This article originally appeared here at Bible Bulletin Board.”
