Sunday, November 18, 2012
Lord's Supper
I loved this sermon. A gentle reminder of what it's all about.
And a reminder to me that scholars and historians who do not understand that night at that upper room supper in Jerusalem do not understand human history at all -- without an acceptance of God's redemptive purpose in history, nothing else works. All other theories and explanations lead simply to meaningless ruin and destruction. Full of sound and fury...signifying nothing....
[Note: The event in Luke 22 is known as the Last Supper. It only happened one time. We call it the Lord's Supper, because we are memorializing the original event, not repeating it.]
The main text was Luke 22.
Introduction: Bro Mike reminded us how frustrating it is to come across old photos, which we assume to be family portraits, and have no notations of date and name on the back. How blessed we are to have eye-witness accounts of Christ's days here on earth - often even dated for us.
This event, we know, occurred at the time of Passover...
Verse 1: Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching.
Tens of thousands of Jews would be crowding into Jerusalem for this important time.
In Verses 7-8: Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, 'Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.'
We can faithfully search for meanings in every passage of Scripture - every word is God's Word. We might not always like it and might not want to try to defend it, but it is God's message to us - to all mankind.
Notice the two roads - not one road - in verse 2 we read that the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, and Judas was pursuing a way to betray Him, but Peter and John were searching for a place to have Passover with Him.
These same two roads are present today - they are parallel and near - not one here in the US and one in China - right here in front of us - two choices.
Even in the same household - one person seeks to pursue God and come near to Him and another finds way to ignore, or even oppose, Him.
We are so aware of responses around us -- most of what we talk about in church is treated as a joke -- ridiculed -- we are pictured as ignorant.
Two roads - -choices then and the same choices now.
Verses 15-16: And He said to them, 'I have fervently desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.'
Did you know (or remember) that Jesus the Son of God desires that you sit at this table with Him? We have an engraved (with His blood) invitation to join Him, He wants you to be there.
Many people still feel as if God is wanting them to suffer. That He is waiting for them to trip up.
NO - God's grace pulls us toward Him. 'I am not good enough,' we say.
'I know that. That's why I sent my Son Jesus.'
Illustration: A young man entering the military being sent to Afghanistan. His family and friends meet at the airport for lunch before the plane leaves. It is a happy time - but not a joyous occasion. A memorable meal, but toned down.
Jesus knew the time was coming and only He could walk through that door. He discussed it with His disciples, but to hear it foretold is nothing like the actual experience.
Some people are on that road which will led them to sit down with Jesus at that Banquet Supper in the future. Do they deserve it? Did they earn it? Of course not.
GRACE
I don't deserve a seat at this table.But Jesus provided it for me.
We are taking the Lord's Supper in the interim. One of these days He will blow His horn and sound His trumpet and we will join Him at that Great Table.
This should be a time of compassion for those who don't even think of taking a place at that table.
[Note: I loved this sermon so much. I am re-reading the notes and listening on the website. It's all so profoundly amazing -- between the Last Supper Jesus had here on earth and that great Banquet Table in the future, we are remembering it all with our celebration of the Lord's Supper -- right here on earth -- right now. This today is just a small taste - a brief glimpse - a preview of what's coming someday in the future!
For the ancient Jews is was the most joyous celebration on their calendar -- for us, it is mixed, because we understand better the cost Jesus paid to give us freedom -- in the future, though, it will be the most joyous time!
Is that one reason we call it amazing grace?]
For full sermon - hear it again - go to: fbc-bc.org and click on sermons...
