THE PASSOVER WITH THE DISCIPLES
LESSON FOR THE JUNIOR CLASSES
STUDY SCRIPTURE: MATTTHEW 26:17-30
KEY VERSE
But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it with you, new, in My Father’s kingdom.
Matthew26: 29
INTRODUCTION AND STUDY
The last week of Jesus’ life and ministry on earth had now started. He would be crucified on the Cross and then resurrected on the third day after His death. He would then meet with the disciples and then ascend to Heaven to be with His Father.JesusJItIHe had warned His faithful followers who we call His disciples about His coming death but they did not believe this would happen, even though they had read the prophecies in the Scriptures that the Messiah had to die on the Cross to bear the sins of the people so that they would not be destroyed by the Father receiving the just wages for sins.God also has done great things for usG
Jesus longed to be with His disciples and He looked forward to having the Passover meal with them. Passover was a Feast which reminded the people of Israel that God had taken them out of slavery in Egypt and guided them on their travels to Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. After their release from Bondage they would know they were in a covenant with God and He would always be faithful to keep them.But when they were in Egypt for their last night their God had through Moses told them to kill a lamb, roast the meat, and paint the blood of the Lamb on their doorposts. If they did that the angel of death that would Passover their house for he would see the blood of the Lamb and know God was there to protect that house. The houses of the Egyptians would not be protected for there would be no blood of the Lamb and so the angel of death would slay the firstborn in that house.
The Feast of the Passover was a special time and Jesus sent the disciples to arrange a place for the Feast. Only Jesus and the disciples would eat the Passover even though it was a family affair. We know therefore those who believe in Jesus and God the Father are in the true family.
Jesus told the disciples to go into the crowded Jerusalem and they would see the unusual situation of a man carrying a pitcher of water. They should follow him and when he went into a house they should tell the owner that Jesus wanted to celebrate Passover there and that man would agree.
So the Passover was celebrated. The traitor Judas was there and Jesus warned him he should not carry out his plan to betray Jesus so the rulers could kill Him.
Jesus took the unleavened bread that was used in Passover feast and used it to remind the disciples they should eat it and treat it as a symbol of His body which was the Bread of life. They should feed on Him so they would have growing strength.
Then Jesus used one of the glasses of wine used in the Feast and told the disciples they should regard the wine as representative of His blood. The red wine resembled His blood that would be shed on the Cross so that those who believed in Him would be forgiven.
Jesus then promised the disciples that He was changing the Passover Feast into the Lord’s Supper and they should regard this new rite or practise as something that should be done often to remind them of His death and the shedding of blood on the Cross. He would no longer drink wine or eat with them until He returned from Heaven at His Second Coming. Then they would have a great Feast and the covering that was blinding the eyes of people would be removed.
Jesus loved the disciples and He enjoyed the celebration of Passover for they were Jesus’ special family. He therefore made great promises for He told them He would shed His blood to save them and He would one day eat and drink with them in the Kingdom of God that would be fulfilled at His Second Coming.
The Lord’s Supper therefore looks forward to the future when Jesus returns. It makes sure we will rememberHis work on the Cross so that our memory will be strengthened and their spiritual strength would grow.
So let us follow Jesus’ advice and celebrate the Lord’s Supper with those that believe in Jesus.