Preparing for the Table: Betrayal, Obedience, and Love
Summary
In today's reflection, we journey through the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, focusing on the preparations for the Passover and the contrasting actions of betrayal and obedience. As Jesus entered Jerusalem, he was met with both adoration and opposition. His actions in the temple, where he drove out the money changers, highlighted his commitment to purity and holiness, challenging the religious leaders who were blinded by their own agendas. These leaders, fearing the loss of their power, plotted against Jesus, ultimately leading to Judas Iscariot's betrayal.
The narrative unfolds with two parallel preparations: one of betrayal and one of sacrifice. Judas, influenced by Satan, sought an opportunity to hand Jesus over to the authorities, while Jesus prepared to fulfill his role as the Passover Lamb. This juxtaposition of betrayal and sacrifice invites us to examine our own lives. Are we, through our actions and attitudes, preparing to betray Jesus, or are we preparing to recline at his table in peace?
Jesus' instructions to Peter and John to prepare the Passover meal reveal a profound truth: God had already prepared the place for them. Their obedience was a step into what God had already set in motion. This teaches us about the importance of obedience and trust in God's plans, even when we don't fully understand them.
As Jesus reclined at the table with his disciples, he revealed the depth of his love and the gravity of his mission. He instituted the Lord's Supper, symbolizing his body and blood given for the salvation of humanity. Despite knowing his betrayal was imminent, Jesus extended grace and love, warning Judas of the consequences of his actions.
This reflection challenges us to consider where we sit at the table with Jesus. Are we betraying him through willful sin, striving for personal gain, or denying his lordship in our lives? Or are we embracing the unity, hope, and love that come from reclining with him? As we partake in communion, we are invited to meditate on his sacrifice, repent of our sins, and be restored in our relationship with him.
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of Fear: We serve what we fear, and this fear can dictate our actions and priorities. If we fear man, we may compromise our values to maintain status or power. However, fearing God leads us to seek his protection and honor him above all else, freeing us from the chains of worldly fears. [08:09]
- Betrayal and Love: Betrayal can only occur where love, trust, and hope exist. Judas' betrayal of Jesus was a profound act against love, breaking trust and hindering hope. This reminds us to guard our relationships and ensure that our actions align with the love and trust we profess. [12:44]
- Obedience and Preparation: Peter and John's obedience in preparing the Passover meal highlights the importance of stepping into God's prepared plans. Our role is to obey and trust that God has already set the stage for his purposes in our lives. [15:57]
- Reclining with Jesus: Jesus' invitation to recline at his table is an invitation to embrace his gift of deliverance from sin and death. We must ask ourselves if we are content with this gift or if we are striving for more, potentially missing the profound significance of his sacrifice. [15:57]
- Restoration and Strengthening Others: Jesus prays for Peter, knowing he will deny him, yet he also promises restoration. This teaches us that even in our failures, Jesus offers forgiveness and calls us to strengthen others, using our experiences to build up the body of Christ. [15:57]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:45] - Jesus' Entry into Jerusalem
- [08:09] - The Power of Fear
- [12:44] - Betrayal and Love
- [15:57] - Obedience and Preparation
- [20:00] - Reclining with Jesus
- [25:00] - Restoration and Strengthening Others
- [30:00] - The Last Supper
- [35:00] - Jesus' Sacrifice and Our Response
- [40:00] - Communion and Reflection
- [45:00] - Closing Prayer and Meditation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 19:28-48
- Luke 22:1-23
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Observation Questions:
1. What actions did Jesus take upon entering the temple, and what was the reaction of the religious leaders? [03:45]
2. How did Judas Iscariot's actions contrast with those of Peter and John in preparing for the Passover? [12:44]
3. What instructions did Jesus give to Peter and John regarding the preparation of the Passover meal? [15:57]
4. During the Last Supper, what significant revelations did Jesus share with his disciples? [15:57]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the fear of man versus the fear of God influence the actions and decisions of the religious leaders and Judas? [08:09]
2. In what ways does the preparation of the Passover meal by Peter and John demonstrate obedience and trust in God's plan? [15:57]
3. What does Jesus' willingness to recline at the table with his betrayer reveal about his character and mission? [15:57]
4. How does the institution of the Lord's Supper during the Last Supper symbolize Jesus' mission and sacrifice? [15:57]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be compromising your values due to the fear of man? How can you shift your focus to fearing God instead? [08:09]
2. Consider a situation where you need to trust in God's plan without fully understanding it. How can you take a step of obedience this week, similar to Peter and John? [15:57]
3. Jesus extended grace and love even to his betrayer. Is there someone in your life who has wronged you that you need to extend grace to? How can you take a step towards reconciliation? [15:57]
4. During communion, we are invited to meditate on Jesus' sacrifice. What specific sins or attitudes do you need to repent of to be restored in your relationship with him? [15:57]
5. Jesus prayed for Peter, knowing he would deny him, yet promised restoration. How can you use your past failures to strengthen and encourage others in their faith journey? [15:57]
6. Are you content with the gift of deliverance from sin and death that Jesus offers, or are you striving for more? How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude for his sacrifice? [15:57]
7. Reflect on your current position at the table with Jesus. Are you betraying him through willful sin, or are you embracing the unity and love that come from reclining with him? What changes can you make to align more closely with his teachings? [15:57]
Devotional
Day 1: The Influence of Fear on Our Actions
Fear can dictate our actions and priorities, leading us to compromise our values to maintain status or power. When we fear man, we may find ourselves trapped in a cycle of seeking approval and validation from others, often at the expense of our integrity. This fear can become a powerful motivator, driving us to make decisions that align with worldly expectations rather than God's will. However, when we choose to fear God, we shift our focus from pleasing people to honoring Him. This reverence for God liberates us from the chains of worldly fears, allowing us to seek His protection and guidance above all else. By fearing God, we align our actions with His purposes, finding freedom and peace in His presence. [08:09]
Isaiah 8:12-13 (ESV): "Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where fear of others' opinions has influenced your decisions? How can you begin to shift that fear towards a reverence for God today?
Day 2: The Depth of Betrayal and Love
Betrayal is a profound act that can only occur where love, trust, and hope exist. Judas' betrayal of Jesus was not just a personal failure but a deep violation of the love and trust that had been established. This act of betrayal serves as a reminder of the fragility of human relationships and the importance of guarding them with care. In our own lives, we must be vigilant in ensuring that our actions align with the love and trust we profess. By nurturing our relationships with honesty and integrity, we can prevent the seeds of betrayal from taking root. This reflection invites us to examine our own hearts and consider how we can cultivate love and trust in our relationships, honoring the commitments we have made. [12:44]
Proverbs 27:6 (ESV): "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy."
Reflection: Think of a relationship in your life where trust has been broken. What steps can you take to begin rebuilding that trust and aligning your actions with the love you profess?
Day 3: The Role of Obedience in God's Plans
Peter and John's obedience in preparing the Passover meal highlights the importance of stepping into God's prepared plans. Their actions were not just about following instructions but about trusting that God had already set the stage for His purposes. This teaches us that our role is to obey and trust in God's plans, even when we don't fully understand them. By stepping into what God has prepared, we align ourselves with His divine purposes, allowing Him to work through us in ways we may not anticipate. This obedience requires faith and a willingness to surrender our own agendas, trusting that God's plans are greater than our own. [15:57]
1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to obedience? How can you take a step of faith today to align with His plans?
Day 4: Embracing the Invitation to Recline with Jesus
Jesus' invitation to recline at His table is an invitation to embrace His gift of deliverance from sin and death. This invitation is not just about accepting a gift but about entering into a relationship of unity, hope, and love with Him. As we partake in communion, we are reminded of the profound significance of His sacrifice and the grace that is extended to us. This reflection challenges us to consider whether we are content with this gift or if we are striving for more, potentially missing the depth of what Jesus offers. By embracing His invitation, we find rest and fulfillment in His presence, experiencing the fullness of His love and grace. [15:57]
Hebrews 4:10-11 (ESV): "For whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are striving for more instead of resting in Jesus' gift of deliverance? How can you embrace His invitation to recline at His table today?
Day 5: Restoration and Strengthening Others
Even in our failures, Jesus offers forgiveness and promises restoration. His prayer for Peter, knowing he would deny Him, is a testament to His grace and love. This teaches us that our failures do not define us, but rather, they can be opportunities for growth and strengthening others. Jesus calls us to use our experiences, even our failures, to build up the body of Christ. By sharing our stories and offering support to others, we can become instruments of His grace, helping others find restoration and hope. This reflection invites us to consider how we can use our experiences to strengthen and encourage those around us, becoming vessels of His love and grace. [15:57]
Galatians 6:1-2 (ESV): "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Think of a time when you experienced failure. How can you use that experience to encourage and strengthen someone else in their journey with Christ today?
Quotes
"Before we get into the meat of this morning's message, I want to briefly summarize what happened between Jesus's entry into Jerusalem, which is the city of peace, Jerusalem, and his celebration of the Passover. So if you'll give me just a few minutes, I'm going to summarize three chapters." [00:00:36] (20 seconds)
"And then Jesus enters the temple in Luke chapter 19, verse 45 through 48, which is a fun reflection of Jesus, as we discussed several months ago now, at the age of 12, entering into the temple, being left there by Joseph and Mary. And when they found him, he's in his father's house. Here he's again in his father's house. Instead of sitting there to teach right away, he sees the money changers. He sees the vendors making profit off the people, turning God's house of prayer into a den of thieves. He threw them out in righteous anger, not unlike how prophets and kings tore down the high places and the altars to idols throughout Israel's history." [00:01:36] (47 seconds)
"Their sin condemned them just as our sin condemns us. But Jesus convicts us of sin. He clears it out and he prepares us for holiness." [00:02:23] (14 seconds)
"The whole time Jesus was teaching in the temple, he knew. He knew he was being led to the slaughter. His body would be beaten and broken. He knew his blood would soon be shed. Verse one. The festival of unleavened bread, which is called Passover, was approaching. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put him to death because they were afraid of the people." [00:06:34] (35 seconds)
"The scribes and the Pharisees, they feared the crowd, they feared the people, but they did not fear God. Here's a truth. We serve what we fear. Let that sink in on you for a moment. Think about it in context of your own life. We serve what we fear." [00:08:09] (31 seconds)
"If we hold on to the fear of man, we avoid whatever might shatter our power or reputation that we might have before man. We appease the crowds by blending in, by catering to their expectations. We worship culture, social identity, entertainment, power, and authority. We fight, kill, slander, deceive, and destroy to maintain authority over man out of fear of what might be should others rise against us." [00:08:54] (35 seconds)
"In the fear of God, however, we don't avoid him. Rather, we run to him, knowing his hand is our protection. We don't merely appease him, giving him just enough to keep God at bay while we honestly do whatever it is that we want." [00:09:29] (26 seconds)
"Deceived by Satan that Jesus' death was God's will for their promotion. Never understanding that Jesus' death was God's will for our redemption. Regardless, through Satan's influence, Judas prepared to betray Jesus. Betrayal can only happen when love, trust, and hope are present." [00:11:06] (35 seconds)
"Love, trust, and hope are not present in that case. Judas, who looked for a good opportunity to betray Jesus away from the crowds, knew his actions were against love, that they broke trust, that they hindered hope." [00:12:57] (20 seconds)
"Jesus sent Peter and John saying, go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover. Where do you want us to prepare it? They asked him. Listen, he said to them. When you've entered the city, a man carrying a water jug will meet you. Follow him into the house he enters." [00:14:22] (19 seconds)
"This is such an interesting exchange to me. I hope it is to you as well. See, Jesus asked Peter and John to prepare a place for the Passover meal. Yet, he also knew a man with a jug of water would take them to his home. He knew the room itself would already be furnished. Already be prepared." [00:15:00] (25 seconds)
"They secured the place God had long ago prepared for their Passover meal. This isn't just preparation for a meal. nor even of a special meal on a high holy day celebrated annually. No, this is Jesus preparing to fulfill the necessity of sacrifice for life." [00:15:32] (25 seconds)
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