(Jesus of Nazareth: Part 11)

JESUS OF NAZARETH:

HIS LAST SUPPER WITH THE TWELVE

Intro.

1. Lk. 21:37-38 - For 4 days after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem Jesus was teaching in the city & lodging at Mt. of Olives.

a. Matt. 26:1-5 - Knew what was about to happen - told disciples.

b. Matt. 26:14-16 - Judas conspires to betray Him.

2. Lk. 22:7-13 - Passover arrived - Arrangements made.

3. The events of the evening are historic & filled with meaning. See the selfless nature of Jesus in the face of impending danger.

I. JESUS SETTLED A DISPUTE CONCERNING SUPERIORITY (Lk. 22:24-30; Jno. 13:1-17) .

A. The Dispute & Suggested Causes. (Lk. 22:24 - "Who is greatest?")

1. Possible reasons for contention at this time:

a. "Who shall occupy the chief seats of honor at the Passover?"

b. "Which disciple should wash the feet of the other disciples & of the Master?" (Jno. 13:1-5)

2. Other similar disputes among them - (Mk. 9:33-37; Matt. 18:1).

3. Underlying reason for such disputes: Improper view of the nature of the kingdom.

a. Matt. 20:20-21, 24-28 - Honor in kingdom! Greatness measured by service & humility.

b. Lk. 22:28-30 - They would equally serve in positions of respon. in His kingdom (Spiritual relationship / Apostles / Fellowship with Christ).

B. Jesus Personified His Lesson On The Greatness Of Humble Service.

1. Lk. 22:27 - Jesus' life was one of service!

2. Jno. 13:4-5 - Served disciples by washing their feet!

a. Customary gesture of courtesy (Lk. 7:44).

b. Synonymous with humble service (1 Tim. 5:10).

3. Jno. 13:12-17 - Meaning of this action:

a. Not to establish foot-washing as an act of worship!

b. v. 12 - "Do you understand the meaning....?"

c. v. 13-15 - "Example" of service they must give each other!

d. v. 17 - Know -- Blessed if you do them!

4. l Pet. 5:5 - Must gird ourselves with humility & serve!

II. JESUS IDENTIFIED HIS BETRAYER (Matt. 26:20-25; Jno. 13:21-30).

A. Judas Succumbed To Satan's Temptation To Betray Jesus - Jno. 13:2.

1. Jno. 6:70 - Judas had gradually become hardened against Jesus.

a. Jno. 12:4-6 - Hypocrisy & covetousness.

b. Matt. 26:14-16 - Motivated by covetousness.

B. Jesus Told His Disciples Of The Betrayal - Matt. 26:20-25.

1. Jno. 13:23-27 - Privately to John.

2. v. 27 - Total surrender of Judas’ heart to Satan!

3. v. 27 - Jesus is in control!

III. JESUS INSTITUTED THE LORD'S SUPPER (Matt. 26:26-29; Lk. 22:14-20).

A. The Comparison Of Jesus & Passover Lamb - cf. l Cor. 5:7.

1. Sacrificed to provide the passing over of sins!

2. He gives new meaning to the emblems:

a. Unleavened bread (Exo. 12:8) - My body - Lk. 22:19.

-Eat in remembrance of Him.

b. Cup (Fruit of the vine) - My blood - Matt. 26:27-28.

-Contents, not container which is emphasized.

-His blood dedicated a new covenant.

-Poured out for remission of sins.

-A communion with Christ - v. 29 (l Cor. 10:16).

-A kingdom event!

3. Our observance honors His sacrifice, His unselfishness & allows us to commune with Christ in a special & specific way!

IV. JESUS GAVE PERSONAL ADMONITIONS (Lk. 22:31-38).

A. Peter Given Encouragement Despite Upcoming Denial - Lk. 22:31-34.

1. Jesus didn't berate/belittle Peter - Prayed for / encouraged him.

2. l Ths. 5:14 - Our example!

B. Prepared Disciples For Difficult Times - Lk. 22:35-38.

1. v. 35-38 - Were widely accepted, now, face opposition.

2. 2 Tim. 3:12 - Endure!

C. He Promised Them The Comforter - Jno. 14 (esp. v. 31).

1. Ability to endure persecution!

2. Jno. 14:16-18, 26, 27 - Comforter would give them assurance of divine presence, inspiration, peace.

Conclusion

1. Just hours before His arrest, etc., Jesus continued to express His love for disciples (Jno. 13:1).

2. Jno. 13:15-17 - Let us learn & practice the example of loving, humble service Jesus left for us!