Something to Remember Him By.  (Luke 22:1-23)

All of us have forgotten something we should have remembered. I do it with names all the time. I forget a name sometimes and it is so embarrassing, especially if you're a pastor.

Hae you ever forgotten to pay a bill? That can come back to bite you. Well, I guess I guess it's human nature, all of us forget things and sometimes we have to remind ourselves of something to do.

Well, that's OK on a human level but what happens when it takes place on the spiritual level. It seems to me that there are several places in the scripture where God is interested in helping us remembering something and that is what I want to do is talk about today.

I want to talk about what I think Is the number one thing God wants us to remember And how he figured a way to remind us that this is the most important part of our Christian faith. 

So, Welcome to TBPDP.

OK, so what is the memory aid that God has given us in order that we don’t forget this important thing? Well, it’s a long passage again today so I'm not going to read it all in one go.  I'm going to read it in sections and try an unpack what it means as we progress through the passage.

So, let's begin with verse one of Ch 22.

1: Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, 2: and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. 3: Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. 4: And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. 5: They were delighted and agreed to give him money. 6: He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.

(Luke 22: 1-6)

What the bible experts tell us that the language used in the text suggests is that Satan entered Judas, but it wasn't an arbitrary or forced entry. It appears that Satan studied Judas, understood his weaknesses, and capitalized on them.

However, the significant point is that Judas willingly opened the door for Satan to enter. Satan doesn't just randomly pick someone and forcibly enter them without their acquiescence.

The next verse shows that Judas was fully aware of what was happening and actively participating in it. Because he meets with the chief priests and the teachers to plot Jesus' betrayal. The chief priests and scribes were delighted because they needed someone on the inside to reveal Jesus' whereabouts when he wasn't in public.

While money may have been a factor in Judas' decision, there were likely other motivations involved.

This opening section highlights Satan's involvement in influencing Judas to betray Jesus. It serves as a warning not to ever give place to the devil. 

Satan can still influence believers. For instance, Satan can infiltrate believers through false teachings, which is why Paul talks about doctrines of demons. Even believers can become instruments in Satan's hands, as also seen in the example of the apostle Peter, who was rebuked by Jesus for speaking in line with Satan's desires rather than God's.

So, Peter at that point, because he had accepted a wrong idea inspired in hell is an instrument in the hand of Satan. Peter allowed himself to be influenced by a wrong idea that aligned with Satan's desires rather than God's plan. 

Satan would have loved to use Peter to persuade Jesus from going to the cross., of course he would. So, this serves as a cautionary reminder to be vigilant about what we believe and ensure that our beliefs are grounded in biblical truth. 

Moving on to the next part of the passage, 

7: Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8: Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” 9: “Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked. 10: He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, 11: and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 12: He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.”13: They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So, they prepared the Passover.

(Luke 22: 7-13) 

In verse 7, Jesus instructs Peter and John to prepare for the Passover, indicating the approaching time when the Passover lamb must be killed. He provides them with very specific instructions on how to find the location where they would celebrate the Passover meal. Jesus foretells that they will encounter a man carrying a pitcher of water, a somewhat unusual sight that would distinguish him from the crowd, because it was not usual for men to carry water around in Jars, that was women’s work.

They are to follow this man to a designated house, where they will then inquire about the guest room for their Passover celebration. Remarkably, everything unfolds just as Jesus predicted, underscoring his foresight and authority.

As verse 8 states, tells us they followed Jesus' instructions precisely, found the designated location, and made the necessary preparations for the Passover. This meticulous planning and execution demonstrate Jesus' control over events and his ability to fulfil God's purpose in accordance with the Scriptures.

We note the arrival of the unleavened bread and Passover lamb. This timing aligns with the traditional understanding that the Passover lamb was slain on Friday, which corresponds with the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. 

It's intriguing to note the disciples' initial confusion about where to prepare for the Passover. They inquire about the location, indicating their lack of knowledge regarding Jesus' plans. Some have speculated that Jesus kept certain details secret to avoid premature interference in his ministry, ensuring that events unfolded exactly according to God's timing.

But Jesus issues detailed instructions for preparing the Passover highlight his authority and foreknowledge, as well as his commitment to fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies and ushering in the fulfilment of God's redemptive plan.

So they following the man carrying water to the house where he enters, and they ask the owner about a guest room for observing the Passover.

This meticulous preparation underscores the importance of even seemingly trivial tasks in fulfilling significant spiritual events. Sometimes, to achieve something significant spiritually, we must attend to the ordinary tasks diligently.

While this passage may seem overly detailed, it serves as a reminder of the value of every aspect of our service to God. Whether in grand gestures or in seemingly mundane everyday chores, each task contributes to the greater purpose of glorifying God and fostering spiritual fellowship.

So that's the second part of this passage nothing more than instructions for going to set up for the Passover the next section begins in verse 14 It says.

14: When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15: And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16: For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfilment in the kingdom of God.” 17: After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18: For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 

(Luke 22: 14-18)

What you just read is a detailed description of the Passover ceremony, not the Lord's Supper. The Passover was a significant Jewish festival observed annually, commemorating the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt. The ceremony involved various rituals and symbolic elements, including cups of wine, bitter herbs, unleavened bread, and the sacrifical lamb.

In the Passover ceremony, there were four cups of wine, each representing different aspects of the Exodus story and God's deliverance of the Israelites. The cups were accompanied by prayers and blessings, recalling God's provision and salvation.

Additionally, symbolic foods such as bitter herbs and unleavened bread were consumed to remind participants of the hardships endured during slavery in Egypt.

The Passover meal was a time of reflection, thanksgiving, and communal fellowship. The various elements of the meal, including the paschal lamb, were shared among participants as they recounted the story of the Exodus and celebrated God's faithfulness.

It's essential to recognize the distinction between the Passover ceremony described here and the Lord's Supper, which Jesus instituted during the Last Supper with his disciples. While the Passover had its roots in Jewish tradition and commemorated the Exodus, the Lord's Supper was a new covenant ritual instituted by Jesus to symbolize his sacrificial death and the establishment of a new covenant in his blood.

So, they're having the Passover but what happens next is the Lord institutes what we call the Lord summer Commentators differ, but they say it was either at after the 3rd or the 4th cup, but anyway before the end of he instituted the Lord supper.

So, these two things happened in the upper room they observe the Passover and then he institutes the Lord's supper.

So let's look at a very familiar passage of scripture for most Christians

Let's pick up at verse 19. 

19: And he took bread, gave thanks, and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 20: In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. 21: But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. 22: The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!” 23: They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 

(Luke 22: 19-23)

The phrase "this is my body" spoken by Jesus during the institution of the Lord's Supper has been a point of contention, particularly during the Reformation. The interpretation of this phrase has led to differing theological perspectives on the nature of the bread and wine in the Eucharist or communion.

In Roman Catholic doctrine, the teaching of transubstantiation holds that the bread and wine become the literal body and blood of Christ during the Mass. This is based on a literal understanding of Jesus' words, "this is my body."

According to Catholic belief, the substance of the bread and wine changes into the substance of Christ's body and blood, while the (physical appearance) remain unchanged.

Martin Luther, held a different view known as consubstantiation. Luther rejected the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation but affirmed the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. He believed that while the bread and wine remained physically unchanged, they coexisted with the body and blood of Christ within the elements. This view is sometimes described as the "sacramental union."

John Calvin, a leading figure in Reformed theology, proposed a symbolic or spiritual view of the Lord's Supper known as memorialism. Calvin rejected the idea of Christ's physical presence in the elements and emphasized that the bread and wine served as symbols or representations of Christ's body and blood. 

According to Calvin, and the majority of Protestant and Pentecostal denominations other than actual Lutheranism believe the Lord's Supper is a commemoration or memorial of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, intended to strengthen the faith of believers.

Ulrich Zwingli, another reformer, also advocated for a purely symbolic understanding of the Lord's Supper. Zwingli argued that the bread and wine merely symbolized the body and blood of Christ and that there was no spiritual or physical presence of Christ in the elements. He emphasized the symbolic nature of the sacrament and its role in reminding believers of Christ's sacrifice.

My interpretation of the Lord's Supper aligns with the symbolic or memorial view, emphasizing the figurative nature of Jesus' words during the institution of communion. 

According to this perspective, Jesus is not physically or spiritually present in the bread and wine, but rather, the elements serve as symbols or reminders of his sacrifice. 

The central purpose of the Lord's Supper, as emphasized in verse 19, is to remember Jesus' death and the significance of his atoning work on the cross. “Do this in remembrance of me”, Jesus said.

I believe that this practice and understanding reflects a careful adherence to the sequence of events described in Luke's account.

Ultimately, our focus should be on the importance of remembering Jesus' sacrifice and the significance of the Lord's Supper as a commemoration of his death and I believe highlights the central theological message conveyed in this passage. 

It underscores the profound meaning of Christ's atoning work and the call for believers to remember and reflect on its significance in their lives.

The significance of remembering Jesus' death, as highlighted in is institution of the Lord's Supper as a memorial meal, resonates deeply with the central message of Christianity. It underscores the importance of commemorating Christ's sacrifice above all other events or observances in the Christian faith.

In a world filled with various commemorations and holidays, it's essential to for Christians to prioritize the remembrance of Jesus' death as the most significant event in human history. 

While other holidays may hold cultural or historical significance, they pale in comparison to the profound impact of Christ's crucifixion and the redemption it offers to humanity.

The importance of remembering Christ's sacrifice aligns with the biblical teaching that the death of Jesus on the cross is the cornerstone of Christian faith. It serves as a reminder of God's immense love for humanity and the ultimate act of salvation provided through Jesus' sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection.

By focusing on the remembrance of Christ's death, believers are called to reflect deeply on the significance of his sacrifice, the forgiveness of sins it offers, and the eternal hope it brings.

The centrality of Christ's crucifixion in the Christian faith is intense and aligns closely with biblical teachings. Indeed, the death of Jesus Christ is not merely an event to be commemorated but serves as the very foundation of Christian theology and spiritual life.

By Jesus himself here instituting the Lord's Supper, he emphasized the importance of remembering his sacrificial death and the shedding of his blood for the forgiveness of sins. This act of remembrance is not merely a ritual but a profound spiritual practice that connects believers to the core of their faith.

The crucifixion of Christ is not just about forgiveness of sins but serves as a model for believers in times of suffering and as the cornerstone of New Testament theology. 

Without understanding the significance of Christ's death, one could easily miss the essence of Christianity and the transformative power of the gospel message.

This regular practice helps foster a deeper spiritual connection with Jesus and reinforces the foundational truths of the Christian faith.

I can’t underscore for you enough the critical importance of placing Christ's crucifixion at the centre of our Christian reflections and spiritual practice, as it encapsulates the essence of God's redemptive plan and serves as the focal point of Christian worship and devotion.

So, what picture of Christ do you hold at the centre of your faith?

What aspect of this character drives you most profoundly?

Is it Christ the good teacher?

Is it Christ the miracle worker?

Is it Christ the social radical?

Christ the evangelist?

Is it the risen Christ, ascended price sitting in glory at the right hand of the father?

All these types of Christ our true and real and immensely significant.

But there is only one Christ that was memorialised at the very centre of our faith by Jesus himself.

His death as the suffering servant Christ on the cross.

Other aspects of the gospel are Important, other emphasis will seem to work temporarily but only the cross when placed at the centre of the gospel will lead the disciple forward consistency through every conceivable situation in life.

Through it you can find light in the darkness.

Through it you can go through the valleys to the mountains and get to the other side, in this life and the next.

So, when you're going through what you think is hell itself, remember the cross can carry you through even death itself..

Remember the cross when you are facing a temptation and trying to figure out what to do.

Remember at the cross and when you want to know for sure how you can have eternal life.

Remember the cross even when you are doing the most mundane things like eating bread and drinking whatever you drink for dinner.

Why because I think every time you eat, every time you are meant to think, wow I remember that he died for me.

So, it’s not just about high moments in our worship and fellowship services.

It why the tradition of saying grace emerged out of the celebration of the institution of the Lord supper/communion,

I think every time you eat breakfast, every time you eat lunch, and every time you eat dinner and maybe the snacks in between, you should remember he did this for me.

I am told that when Nelson was buried in Saint Paul's cathedral and a party of sailors bore his coffin to the tomb covered with the union Jack flag. 

One who witnessed the service wrote this.

“They lowered the body of the world's greatest Admiral into the tomb then as though answering to a sharp order from the quarter deck they all seized the Union Jack which the coffin was covered, and they tore it into fragments, and each took his souvenir. To remember all their lives that little bit of coloured cloth would speak to them of the Admiral they loved”.

Jesus didn't give us a piece of cloth, for that we could wear out or we might even loose it.  He gave us a memorial meal as memory aid of something we also do ordinarily three times a day.

Because he wants us to remember the cross, all the time. In fact the main thing he wants you always to remember about Him was that he died on the cross for you.

come.