Embracing Sacrifice: A Call to Remember and Respond

Today’s gathering was a sacred time of remembrance, reflection, and response to the grace of Jesus Christ. We began by celebrating Dalton Gentry’s baptism, a public declaration of faith and a reminder of the new life found in Christ. As we prepared our hearts for the Lord’s Supper, we considered the true meaning of Memorial Day—not just as a holiday for family and food, but as a solemn remembrance of those who gave their lives for our freedom. This theme of sacrificial love led us to the heart of the Lord’s Supper, where we remember the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who gave His life so that we might be free from sin and death.

Drawing from Luke 22, we reflected on the Passover’s significance in the Old Testament and how Jesus transformed this meal into a new covenant for believers. Just as the Israelites remembered their deliverance from Egypt, we remember our deliverance from sin through Christ’s body and blood. Preparation is essential—not just logistical, but spiritual and relational. We are called to examine our hearts, reconcile with God and others, and approach the table in humility and unity. The Lord’s Supper is not a ritual for the perfect, but a meal for the forgiven, a time to lay down grudges, pride, and division, and to embrace the unity Christ purchased for us.

We explored the meaning behind the elements, clarifying that the bread and cup are symbols—reminders of Christ’s body broken and blood shed for us. Jesus’ words, “Do this in remembrance of me,” call us to a living, ongoing relationship with Him, not a mere tradition. The story of the Passover lamb points us to Jesus, our true Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice was once for all. The new covenant He established is written on our hearts, offering forgiveness and a restored relationship with God.

Finally, we considered the responses of those at the table with Jesus. Judas left unchanged, clinging to his own agenda, while the other disciples, though imperfect, sought forgiveness and restoration. Each of us faces the same choice: to leave the table unchanged or to respond in faith, repentance, and obedience. The invitation is open—to salvation, to reconciliation, to renewed commitment. As we welcomed new believers into our family, we were reminded that God is still at work, calling people to Himself and transforming lives.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Sacrifice and Remembrance Shape Our Freedom True freedom—whether national or spiritual—comes at a great cost. Just as we honor those who died for our earthly freedoms, we must never lose sight of the far greater sacrifice of Jesus, who gave His life so we could be free from sin. Remembering this cost should move us to gratitude and a life that honors such a gift, not taking for granted the privileges we have in Christ. [21:30]
• 2. Preparation for Communion Is Both Vertical and Horizontal Approaching the Lord’s Table requires more than outward readiness; it demands a heart examined before God and reconciled with others. Unforgiveness, division, or neglect of our relationship with God can hinder true fellowship. The Lord’s Supper is a call to unity, humility, and relational wholeness, reminding us that Christ’s body was broken to make us one. [32:09]
• 3. The Lord’s Supper Is a Symbolic Invitation to Ongoing Relationship The bread and cup are not magical or mystical in themselves, but powerful symbols pointing us to the reality of Christ’s sacrifice and presence. Jesus uses physical elements to teach spiritual truths: He is our sustenance, our light, our only way to the Father. Each time we partake, we are invited to renew our dependence on Him and remember that His grace is sufficient for every need. [43:57]
• 4. No Sin Is Beyond the Reach of Christ’s Forgiveness Judas’ story warns us of the tragedy of leaving the table unchanged, believing our sin is too great for grace. Yet, the cross proclaims that Jesus’ blood is enough for every failure, every regret, every broken promise. The only voice that says you are too far gone is the enemy; Jesus stands ready to forgive, restore, and make new all who come to Him in faith. [60:44]
• 5. Our Response to Christ’s Invitation Defines Our Future Every encounter with Jesus calls for a response—will we leave unchanged, or will we surrender, repent, and follow? The Lord’s Supper is not just a memorial, but a moment of decision: to live by God’s Word, to share His message, to seek Him in prayer, and to walk in renewed obedience. The table is set, the invitation is given; how we leave is up to us. [62:21]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:30] - Baptism Celebration
• [05:22] - Memorial Day and Sacrifice
• [21:30] - The Deeper Meaning of Remembrance
• [22:42] - Passover and the Lord’s Supper
• [25:04] - Who Should Partake?
• [26:05] - Preparing Our Hearts
• [27:42] - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb
• [29:29] - Prayer for Cleansing and Surrender
• [30:51] - God’s Preparation in Our Lives
• [32:09] - Relational Preparation and Unity
• [33:36] - The Danger of Division
• [35:09] - Loving One Another
• [41:37] - The Practice of the Lord’s Supper
• [43:57] - The Meaning of the Elements
• [46:38] - Jesus, Our Passover Lamb
• [49:24] - The New Covenant in Christ
• [52:25] - Invitation to Respond
• [58:19] - The Example of Judas and the Disciples
• [60:44] - No Sin Too Great for Grace
• [62:21] - Responding to Christ’s Call
• [64:48] - Baptism and Church Membership Invitation
• [75:31] - Welcoming New Believers
• [76:30] - Closing Prayer and Announcements

Bible Reading

Luke 22:7-23 (ESV) — > 7 Then 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.
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> 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.

Observation Questions

1. What preparations did Jesus instruct his disciples to make for the Passover meal, and how did they find the place to celebrate it? (Luke 22:7-13)
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus transforming the Passover meal into the Lord’s Supper? [[22:42]]
3. What did Jesus say about the bread and the cup during the meal, and what did he want his disciples to remember? (Luke 22:19-20)
4. In the sermon, what examples were given about the importance of being prepared in our hearts and relationships before taking the Lord’s Supper? [[32:09]]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus chose the Passover meal as the time to introduce the Lord’s Supper? What does this say about the connection between the Old Testament and Jesus’ mission? [[22:42]]
2. The sermon emphasized that the Lord’s Supper is “not a ritual for the perfect, but a meal for the forgiven.” What does this mean for how we approach communion? [[32:09]]
3. The story of Judas shows someone who left the table unchanged. What does the sermon suggest is the difference between Judas and the other disciples in their response to Jesus? [[58:19]]
4. The bread and cup are described as symbols, not magical elements. Why is it important to understand the Lord’s Supper as a symbolic act of remembrance and relationship? [[43:57]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon compared Memorial Day’s remembrance of sacrifice to remembering Jesus’ sacrifice. How can you keep the sacrifice of Jesus at the center of your daily life, not just during communion? What practical reminders could you set up? [[21:30]]
2. Before taking the Lord’s Supper, we are called to examine our hearts and reconcile with others. Is there anyone you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from before you next take communion? What steps could you take this week to move toward reconciliation? [[32:09]]
3. The Lord’s Supper is a call to unity and humility. Are there any grudges, pride, or divisions in your life or in our church that you need to lay down? How can you actively pursue unity in your relationships? [[33:36]]
4. Jesus invites us to a living, ongoing relationship, not just a tradition. What is one way you can make your relationship with Jesus more personal and less routine this month? [[43:57]]
5. The sermon said, “No sin is beyond the reach of Christ’s forgiveness.” Is there a failure or regret in your life that you have struggled to believe Jesus can forgive? How can you bring that to him in faith this week? [[01:00:44]]
6. Every encounter with Jesus calls for a response. What is one area of your life where you sense Jesus is inviting you to surrender, repent, or obey? What would it look like to respond to him today? [[01:02:21]]
7. The Lord’s Supper is a time to renew our dependence on Jesus. What is one specific need or struggle you want to bring to him as you remember his sacrifice? How can your small group support you in this? [[43:57]]