Day 307, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Mark 14:22-31; Matthew 26:26-35; Luke 22:15-20, 31-38; John 13:31–14:31
Remember Me
Candles are often lit in remembrance of a person or in prayer for him. They represent life. If the beloved person has positively impacted his family, business, or other organization, the candlelights might also represent his character. His values are honored and shared when one flame touches another candlewick.
We might remember him with pictures or plaques, which are nice, but what the former leader wants is the next generation’s success. He doesn’t care if people remember his face; he wants his teachings, way of life, discipline, and practices to be followed. He wants to pass the light of his success onto others.
Remember Christ by Keeping the Flame Lit
If a leader is wise, he will do things to ensure that the flame will continue. Jesus does this with his closest followers, the eleven remaining disciples (Judas Iscariot left the table to betray him).
In today’s Bible reading, it is the time of the yearly Passover Feast. All able-bodied Jewish males are assembled in Jerusalem to remember their ancestors’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12; 23:17).
Jerusalem is a dangerous place and time for Jesus and his disciples—the religious leaders are determined to kill him right after the feast! They are jealous of his popularity with ordinary people. They also perceive him to be a threat to their positions of religious authority and favor with the Roman government.
Jesus’ crucifixion is just a week away. Tough times will come upon his disciples after he leaves, so Jesus gives them (and us) something by which to remember him.
Jesus Gives New Significance to an Old Ceremony
The Lord uses the Passover ceremony as a symbol of his sacrifice. Jesus declared that he is the bread of life which came from heaven, similar to the manna from heaven in the days of Moses. This bread of life was his flesh, which he would give for the world (John 6:32-63). The yeast-less bread now becomes a symbol of his body, soon affixed to a rough-hewn wooden cross for his crucifixion.
The wine, typically drunk with the meal, now symbolizes the blood he would spill for everyone. On the cross, nails would pierce his hands and feet, and a sword his side.
When Jewish believers gather for the Passover Feast, they now remember Jesus. He is the lamb that was slain to deliver them from the bondage of their sins.
Yeast-less bread (matzo, crackers, or Communion Bread) and wine (or grape juice) are used today in Communion Services in congregations of both Messianic Jews and non-Jewish believers. We consume these elements to remind us that we have spiritually partaken of Christ when we believe he sacrificed himself for us. The bread and the cup are sobering reminders of Jesus’ great sacrifice for our sins (more...). We consume these elements to remind us that we have spiritually partaken of Christ by belief in his sacrifice for us (John 6:32-63).
These symbols helped the disciples get through tough times of persecution for Jesus’ sake. Remembering Jesus’ sacrifice can help us through tough times as well. Because he sacrificed himself for us, we should offer our lives daily for him. (Romans 12:1).
Jesus Provides Comfort and Encouragement
Losing loved ones causes a lot of grief. Jesus’ disciples, learning of his soon departure, are grieved, too, so the Lord shares God’s larger plan to help them endure it. He says,
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am (John 14:1-3, NIV).
God’s larger scheme is that Jesus would return to heaven to prepare a place for his disciples. Later, he will return for them and for all of us who have trusted in him for our salvation. This brings comfort to them and us.
Second, to help the disciples, Jesus leaves someone in charge with the same nature, love, and commitment. The Holy Spirit of God would come and empower them to do even greater works than he. The Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ are of the identical origin—God (John 14:16).
It is a great comfort to Christians that the Holy Spirit is with us when we are converted. He will be with us until the Lord comes back. God’s Spirit will comfort, encourage, and empower us to do his will and endure persecution. He will help us pass the flame of God’s love and the gospel to others.
Last, Jesus leaves his disciples (and us Christians) with hope. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18, NIV). This is terrific news! Jesus is coming back! He will return to set up his kingdom, a kingdom of peace that will never end. The faithful will rule and reign with him.
Discussion
In our church's communion services, what do the white wafers & wine (or grape juice) represent?
Why did God allow his son to be crucified—how does it fit his greater plan?
What is comforting about Jesus being in heaven?
Focus Verse
John 14:1 (NIV) “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.”
Watch a video of the Last Supper here
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Dear Father, you are the light of the world and the universe. You wrap yourself in light, and in you, there is no darkness or evil at all. Praise your holy name. I pray your kingdom will come as promised, and we will invite others into it by sharing the gospel. Thank you for the sacrifice of your son on the cross. Please light a flame in our hearts! May we give testimonies about you and what you have done in our lives.
Lord, please meet our needs today as you have promised, and may we give testimony of that.
Forgive us if we have not been sharing Christ’s light, and we pray we would do nothing to quench the light of God’s Spirit. Help us to be ready to forgive and show grace and mercy.
Lead us away from the temptation to be self-focused, snuffing out wicks of hope and good works. Help us share the light with others, even if we are persecuted for it. In the name of your dear Son, Jesus, we pray, Amen.
Please send your comments to me, Rod
Looking Ahead: Knowing that his betrayal and crucifixion is at hand, Jesus leaves his disciples with some Final Instructions. These also affect us today. Learn more about them in our Next Lesson.
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