Experiencing God's Deliverance Through Passover and Communion

 

Summary

Beloved congregation of Compass Christian Church, today we gather to reflect on the profound significance of the Passover and its fulfillment in the Lord's Supper, which we now know as communion. Our journey through scripture and tradition has revealed the deep layers of meaning in these sacred practices, which are not merely rituals but invitations to experience God's deliverance and grace.

We began by acknowledging the hard lives many have led and the tears shed due to sinful choices. Yet, in Christ, we find freedom and forgiveness. The Passover meal, with its rich symbolism, teaches us about the pain of life and the joy of God's deliverance. The parsley dipped in saltwater, the breaking of bread, and the hidden piece of unleavened bread all point to the grace and provision of God. The youngest child's questions during the Passover meal set the stage for a retelling of God's mighty acts of salvation.

As we moved through the elements of the Passover, we recognized the importance of Clean Hands and a pure heart, symbolized by the ceremonial handwashing. This act reminds us that God desires our hearts to be humble and pure as we approach Him in worship. The parsley on the table, the saltwater, and the combination of bitter herbs with sweet paste all serve to remind us of the tears and joy intertwined in our walk with God.

The Last Supper, which Jesus shared with His disciples, was a transformative moment. As they reclined at the table, Jesus revealed that one among them would betray Him. The shock and self-examination that followed highlight the gravity of that night. Jesus, the most powerful in the room, chose to serve rather than be served, washing the feet of His disciples, including Judas and Peter.

Jesus took the Passover meal and infused it with new meaning. He claimed the hidden piece of bread, representing the awaited Messiah, and declared it His body. The cup of redemption became His blood, establishing a New Covenant for the forgiveness of sins. This act was a declaration of His identity as the Messiah and a call for His followers to remember His sacrifice.

As we partake in communion, we are invited to remember Christ's body broken for us and His blood shed for our redemption. This weekly remembrance is a tangible expression of His love and grace, a reminder that we are chosen, delivered, and redeemed by God. It is a call to live out this gift daily, to be lights in a dark world, sharing the story of hope and forgiveness.

Now, let us reflect on the key takeaways from today's message:

1. The Passover meal is not just a historical recount but a sensory-rich narrative that invites us to experience God's deliverance. As we engage with the elements of the meal, we are reminded that God's teaching transcends time and culture, reaching us in the depths of our being. [41:01]

2. Clean Hands and a pure heart are not about external purity but the internal posture of humility and readiness to serve. Jesus washing the disciples' feet is a powerful example of leadership that prioritizes service over authority. [49:06]

3. The bitter herbs and sweet paste consumed during Passover symbolize the duality of our existence—suffering and joy. This duality is central to the Christian experience, as we navigate a world filled with challenges yet are sustained by the hope of Christ's redemption. [50:28]

4. Jesus' transformation of the Passover meal into the Lord's Supper is a profound declaration of His Messiahship. By identifying Himself with the hidden piece of bread and the cup of redemption, He invites us into a new understanding of deliverance—one that is spiritual and eternal. [01:00:04]

5. Communion is a weekly opportunity to remember and proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. It is a practice that unites us as a community of believers, reminding us of the sacrifice Jesus made and the grace we continually receive. [01:06:13]

May these reflections deepen your faith and inspire you to live out the truths of the gospel in your daily walk with the Lord. Amen.

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 26:17-30 - The Last Supper
2. John 13:1-17 - Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet
3. Exodus 12:1-14 - The Passover Instituted

#### Observation Questions
1. What specific actions did Jesus take during the Last Supper to transform the Passover meal into the Lord's Supper? ([39:01])
2. In John 13, what was the significance of Jesus washing the disciples' feet, and how did the disciples react? ([34:02])
3. What are the symbolic elements of the Passover meal mentioned in the sermon, and what do they represent? ([41:01])
4. How did Jesus identify His betrayer during the Last Supper, and what was the reaction of the disciples? ([57:24])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the act of Jesus washing the disciples' feet considered a powerful example of servant leadership? How does this redefine the concept of power and authority in the Christian context? ([34:40])
2. How does the duality of bitter herbs and sweet paste consumed during Passover reflect the Christian experience of suffering and joy? ([50:28])
3. What is the significance of Jesus identifying Himself with the hidden piece of bread and the cup of redemption during the Last Supper? How does this act declare His Messiahship? ([01:00:04])
4. How does the practice of communion serve as a weekly reminder of Christ's sacrifice and a call to live out the gospel daily? ([01:06:13])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the symbolism of the Passover meal. How can you incorporate the remembrance of God's deliverance and grace into your daily life? ([41:01])
2. Jesus emphasized the importance of having Clean Hands and a pure heart. What steps can you take to cultivate humility and readiness to serve in your own life? ([49:06])
3. The combination of bitter herbs and sweet paste symbolizes the duality of suffering and joy. Can you identify a recent experience in your life where you saw both suffering and joy? How did you navigate that experience? ([50:28])
4. Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet was a profound lesson in servant leadership. How can you apply this lesson in your interactions with others, especially in situations where you hold a position of authority? ([34:40])
5. Communion is a practice that unites us as a community of believers. How can you foster a sense of unity and shared purpose within your small group or church community? ([01:06:13])
6. Reflect on the significance of Jesus transforming the Passover meal into the Lord's Supper. How does this transformation impact your understanding of Jesus' role as the Messiah and your personal faith journey? ([01:00:04])
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of remembering Christ's sacrifice through communion. How can you make this remembrance more meaningful in your personal worship and daily life? ([01:06:13])

Devotional

Day 1: Experiencing God's Deliverance
The Passover meal is a multi-sensory experience designed to immerse participants in the story of God's deliverance. It is not merely a historical recount but a narrative that engages all senses, allowing individuals to feel as though they are part of the ancient Israelites' journey from slavery to freedom. The elements of the meal—bitter herbs, unleavened bread, and saltwater—serve as tangible reminders of the Israelites' suffering and God's gracious provision. This sensory-rich tradition is meant to transcend time and culture, connecting believers today with the enduring truth of God's salvation and the anticipation of ultimate deliverance through Christ.

"Remember this day in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by a strong hand the LORD brought you out from this place..." (Exodus 13:3-4a ESV).

Reflection: How does participating in communion deepen your personal understanding of spiritual deliverance? [41:01]

Day 2: Humility and Service in Leadership
The ceremonial handwashing during the Passover meal and Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet are powerful symbols of the internal purity and humility required of those who follow God. These acts are not about external cleanliness but rather the internal posture of the heart—a readiness to serve others and a humble approach to worship. Jesus, as the leader, exemplified this by serving His disciples, teaching that true leadership is characterized by service and not by exerting authority. This lesson is crucial for believers, who are called to emulate Jesus' example of humility and service in their own lives.

"But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.'" (1 Samuel 16:7 ESV).

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate servant leadership in your current spheres of influence? [49:06]

Day 3: Embracing Life's Duality
The Passover meal's combination of bitter herbs and sweet paste is a poignant reminder of the duality of life's experiences—the presence of both suffering and joy. This duality is central to the Christian walk, where believers face trials and tribulations while simultaneously holding onto the joy found in Christ's redemption. The bitter herbs represent the hardships and the sweet paste the hope that sustains. This symbolism encourages believers to acknowledge the reality of suffering but also to rejoice in the salvation and comfort that God provides.

"For it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them." (Hebrews 13:9b ESV).

Reflection: How can you find joy in the midst of a current struggle, knowing that Christ has secured your ultimate redemption? [50:28]

Day 4: The New Understanding of Deliverance
Jesus' transformation of the Passover meal into the Lord's Supper was a declaration of His Messiahship and an invitation to a new understanding of deliverance. By identifying Himself with the hidden piece of bread and the cup of redemption, He shifted the focus from a physical deliverance to a spiritual and eternal one. This new covenant established by Jesus' sacrifice offers forgiveness of sins and a relationship with God that transcends the temporal. Believers are called to remember and proclaim this profound truth, recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of the awaited Messiah.

"And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" (Matthew 26:27-28 ESV).

Reflection: How does understanding Jesus as the fulfillment of the Passover impact your view of His sacrifice? [01:00:04]

Day 5: Unity and Remembrance in Communion
Communion is a weekly practice that unites believers in remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice. It is a tangible expression of His love and grace, reminding the faithful that they are chosen, delivered, and redeemed by God. This act of remembrance is not only a personal reflection but also a communal proclamation of the Lord's death until He returns. It serves as a call to live out the gospel daily, to be lights in a dark world, and to share the story of hope and forgiveness with others.

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV).

Reflection: What is one way you can encourage a fellow believer this week as you both remember Christ's sacrifice in communion? [01:06:13]

Quotes

1) "The Passover is designed to use all five senses to teach about the time in history when God freed the Jews from slavery in Egypt. It's a story that incorporates sight, sound, smell, taste, touch." [41:01] ( | | )

2) "The breaking of bread represents the provision of God—food, freedom, purpose in our lives. It's a reminder of God's grace that set his people free from Egypt by his power, not by theirs." [51:40] ( | | )

3) "Jesus, the most powerful person in the room, didn't come to be served but to serve, to give his life as a ransom for many. This act of washing the disciples' feet, including Judas and Peter, was a profound example of leadership." [01:11:29] (Download clip | Download cropped clip | )

4) "Communion commemorates all that the Old Testament looked forward to and all that the New Testament is based on. It's a special meal where we are bonded together as one in Christ." [01:06:13] ( | | )

5) "In the communion, we get to get it right when we stop and examine ourselves to make sure that we come to this moment with clean hands and a pure heart. We honor God for choosing, delivering, and redeeming us." [01:06:50] ( | | )

6) "Jesus transformed the entire Passover feast with one moment, declaring the hidden piece of bread as His body and the cup of redemption as His blood, establishing a New Covenant for the forgiveness of sins." [01:08:55] ( | | )

7) "Every week, as we partake in communion, we remember that his blood on the doorposts of our hearts protects us from sin and death. We remember that he is the Messiah who came to deliver us." [01:09:36] ( | | )

8) "The parsley dipped in saltwater, the breaking of bread, and the hidden piece of unleavened bread all point to the grace and provision of God, teaching us about the pain of life and the joy of God's deliverance." [51:00] ( | | )

9) "The cup of sanctification honored the fact that God had chosen his people. It's a reminder of being set apart, ready to do what the Lord asks with a humble spirit." [47:17] ( | | )

10) "The ceremonial handwashing wasn't about external purity but symbolized having clean hands and a pure heart before God, which is what God expects when we come to worship Him." [48:33] ( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?