The Feast. Summary and Goal. Main Passages Mark 14:12-26

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1 The Feast Summary and Goal In the first Lord s Supper, Jesus gave His disciples a new meal to illustrate why He had come and what He would do on their behalf. As He broke the bread and poured the cup, He was inviting them to partake in and remember His sacrifice. Main Passages Mark 14:12-26 Session Outline 1. Jesus Invites Us to His Table (Mark 14:12-16) 2. Jesus Calls Us to Reflect at His Table (Mark 14:17-21) 3. Jesus Offers His Body and Blood (Mark 14:22-26) Theological Theme God sent His Son, Jesus, to be the final sacrifice for our sins. In giving us the Lord s Supper as a symbolic meal, we eat and remember His sacrifice by which we receive eternal life with Him. Christ Connection Christ came as the true and better Passover Lamb, whose blood once and for all covered our sin. As we eat the bread and drink the cup, we remember that He has rescued and redeemed us. Missional Application As Christ pulled up a chair for us at His table, we are to invite others into our lives, that they might also receive salvation and share in the Lord s Supper. 1 Leader Guide

2 Historical Context of Mark Purpose Mark s Gospel is a narrative about Jesus. Mark identified his theme in the first verse: the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. That Jesus is the divine Son of God is the major emphasis of his Gospel. God announced it at Jesus baptism in Mark 1:11. Demons and unclean spirits recognized and acknowledged it in 3:11 and 5:7. God reaffirmed it at the transfiguration in 9:7. Jesus taught it parabolically in 12:1-12, hinted at it in 13:32, and confessed it directly in 14: Finally, the Roman centurion confessed it openly and without qualification in 15:39. Thus Mark s purpose was to summon people to repent and respond in faith to the good news of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God (Mark 1:1,15). Author The Gospel of Mark is anonymous. Eusebius, the early church historian, writing in A.D. 326, preserved the words of Papias, an early church father. Papias quoted the elder, probably John, as saying that Mark recorded Peter s preaching about the things Jesus said and did, but not in order. Thus, Mark was considered the author of this Gospel even in the first century. Setting According to the early church fathers, Mark wrote his Gospel in Rome just before or just after Peter s martyrdom. Further confirmation of the Roman origin of Mark s Gospel is found in Mark 15:21 where Mark noted that Simon, a Cyrenian who carried Jesus cross, was the father of Alexander and Rufus, men apparently known to the believers in Rome. Because Mark wrote primarily for Roman Gentiles, he explained Jewish customs, translated Aramaic words and phrases into Greek, used Latin terms rather than their Greek equivalents, and rarely quoted from the OT. Most Bible scholars are convinced that Mark was the earliest Gospel and served as one of the sources for Matthew and Luke. Key Themes Many concepts of the Messiah existed in Jesus day, and several individuals laid claim to the title. What Mark contributes is a clarification of the concept of Messiah and a redefining of the term. Peter s insightful confession at Caesarea Philippi in 8:29 became the turning point at which Jesus began to explain that the divine conception of the Messiah involved rejection, suffering, death, and then resurrection (Mark 8:31). Mark also shows us the human side of Jesus. In fact, more than the other Gospel writers, Mark emphasizes Jesus human side and His emotions. Thus Mark gives us a strong picture of both the humanity and the divinity of Jesus. Special Features Mark s Gospel emphasizes actions and deeds. Jesus is on the go healing, casting out demons, performing miracles, hurrying from place to place, and teaching. In Mark everything happens immediately. As soon as one episode ends, another begins. The rapid pace slows down when Jesus enters Jerusalem (Mark 11:1). Thereafter, events are marked by days, and His final day by hours. Date of My Bible Study: 2

3 10 Session Plan The Feast Introduction What is a significant meal that you remember? What made it special? Why do you think meals bring people together in a unique way? In the days leading up to His death, Jesus brought His closest disciples together to share the Passover meal. In sharing this final meal, He instituted the practice of the Lord s Supper that believers would continue to partake in for generations to come. Jesus reminds us that He has made a place for us at the table a place we could not earn or deserve. He would make a place even for His betrayer, calling us to examine our own hearts each time we come. Jesus gave new significance to the Passover meal, presenting the bread and the cup as His own body and blood, offered for His people. 1. Jesus Invites Us to His Table (Mark 14:12-16) After having just been anointed at Bethany, Jesus directed His disciples to prepare for one last meal together the Passover meal. Jesus was making His way toward Jerusalem, and He would celebrate Passover with those closest to Him. The Passover meal was meant to remember God s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt (Ex 12:1-28). The meal was a communal event, usually eaten with family or close friends. Why do you think Jesus chose to spend His last hours before His betrayal sharing a meal? What does this tell us about what Jesus valued? What does the disciples involvement tell us about Jesus? 2. Jesus Calls Us to Reflect at His Table (Mark 14:17-21) Later in the evening, when it was time for the meal, Jesus and the twelve came to the house. Everything was ready, and they reclined and began to 3 Leader Guide

4 eat together. The first thing that Mark recorded Jesus saying during the meal was far from surface-level table talk. Apparently, someone sitting around that very table was going to betray Him. Certainly, that had to change the mood in the room. The disciples would have certainly begun looking around and making their own guesses. How did the disciples respond to the difficult words of Jesus? What can we learn from their response? How does it reflect our own tendencies? 3. Jesus Offers His Body and Blood (Mark 14:22-26) The celebration of the Passover was a tradition for the Hebrew people. Each part of the meal was symbolic. The head of the household, or group sharing the meal, would explain each part as they went through the meal. It would have been normal that Jesus did this during the meal with His closest disciples.5 However, this time was different. This time, Jesus gave an entirely new meaning to this shared meal. Why do you think Jesus chose something so common a meal with bread and a cup to explain the significance of His sacrifice? What hope does this Last Supper account offer us? How do we hold onto that hope each time we come to the Lord s Supper? Conclusion What does it mean that Jesus allows us to participate in the Lord s Supper, not merely observe it? How does that call extend to the work of His kingdom? Have there been times you have felt unworthy to come to His table? How does the gospel offer you grace in those times? How does having a tangible reminder allow you to better remember what God has done? How can you more intentionally prepare to come to the Lord s Supper in the future? Session 10 4

5 Expanded Session Content 10 The Feast Introduction Holidays often hold some of our fondest memories. Whether we think of childhood stories or long-held family traditions, holidays are a special time. Typically, food is included as we celebrate these special occasions: deviled eggs at Easter brunch; endless casseroles at Thanksgiving; Christmas ham; barbecue of every variety for the Fourth of July. Food sits at the center of grand celebrations and small gatherings alike. There is something invitational and intimate about sharing a meal that allows people to be at ease. Across cultures, religions, and socioeconomic lines, people come together around a table. An Oxford study shows that those who share meals with other people feel more connected, socially bonded, and even better about themselves they feel happier and more satisfied with their own lives. 1 Even so, in the busyness of our everyday schedules, it is difficult to make the time to sit down for a meal with friends or family. Yet, Jesus called His followers to regularly join together to partake of the Lord s Supper, first given to His disciples to remind one another of His sacrifice on their behalf. What is a significant meal that you remember? What made it special? Why do you think meals bring people together in a unique way? Session Summary In the days leading up to His death, Jesus brought His closest disciples together to share the Passover meal. In sharing this final meal, He instituted the practice of the Lord s Supper that believers would continue to partake in for generations to come. Jesus reminds us that He has made a place for us at the table a place we could not earn or deserve. He would make a place even for His betrayer, calling us to examine our own hearts each time we come. Jesus gave new significance to the Passover meal, presenting the bread and the cup as His own body and blood, offered for His people. 5 Leader Guide

6 1. Jesus Invites Us to His Table (Mark 14:12-16) After having just been anointed at Bethany, Jesus directed His disciples to prepare for one last meal together the Passover meal. Jesus was making His way toward Jerusalem, and He would celebrate Passover with those closest to Him. The Passover meal was meant to remember God s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt (Ex 12:1-28). The meal was a communal event, usually eaten with family or close friends. No doubt, the disciples were anxious to get the logistics settled for where and when they would eat just as all the other Jews in Jerusalem were doing. 2 As the disciples asked Jesus where they might go to prepare the meal, He was ahead of them. A location had already been secured furnished and ready, they just had to follow His directions for getting there and prepare the meal once they arrived. Why do you think Jesus chose to spend His last hours before His betrayal sharing a meal? What does this tell us about what Jesus valued? Preparing for Passover The Passover event happened over about a twelve-hour period across two days (Nisan 14-15). The Jewish day began at sunset. On the afternoon of the first day (Nisan 14), the Passover lambs were slaughtered at the temple. After the sun went down (Nisan 15), the Passover meal was shared. The Feast of Unleavened Bread followed for seven days. With large numbers of Jews making their way to Jerusalem for Passover, the city would have been hectic at the time. 3 What does the disciples involvement tell us about Jesus? On the surface, this text seems merely logistical. Directions were given and followed; a location was secured; a meal was prepared. At first glance, this seems like just a set-up for the main event. On one level, it is. However, even in the midst of the practicalities, we see how Jesus allowed His disciples to participate in what would become one of the most significant events of their time with Him. It would change the way they understood the Passover, and it would put into perspective the sacrifice that Jesus was about to make. Not only did Jesus want to share this meal with the disciples, but He also wanted them to participate fully in the experience. What the disciples were about to face would be days of heartbreak, uncertainty, grief, and betrayal. Jesus knew they wouldn t be able to face that alone. The Christian life was never meant to be lived in isolation; it was always meant to be shared. It may seem surprising that in Jesus final moments with His disciples, He didn t plan a worship service or gather them in the temple. He simply invited them to join Him at a table. He invited them to share in the bread and cup that would be more meaningful than they realized. By no means should we forgo the worship services or prayer gatherings that we often participate in. These are right and helpful, and they can be glorifying to God. However, let us not forget the holy moments that can happen when we simply invite people to pull up a chair at our table. Session 10 6

7 2. Jesus Calls Us to Reflect at His Table (Mark 14:17-21) Later in the evening, when it was time for the meal, Jesus and the twelve came to the house. Everything was ready, and they reclined and began to eat together. The first thing that Mark recorded Jesus saying during the meal was far from surface-level table talk. Apparently, someone sitting around that very table was going to betray Him. Certainly, that had to change the mood in the room. The disciples would have certainly begun looking around and making their own guesses. How did the disciples respond to the difficult words of Jesus? What can we learn from their response? How does it reflect our own tendencies? Denying Denial After Jesus told the disciples that they would all fall away (14:27), Peter declared boldly, Even if everyone falls away, I will not. Jesus knew Peter s heart, but also knew that when it came to it, Peter would indeed deny Him three times. But he kept insisting, If I have to die with you, I will never deny you. And they all said the same thing. The disciples couldn t fathom that any of them would ever succumb to that kind of denial. All the disciples were quick to ask, Is it I? and then in 14:31, all of the disciples proclaimed they would never deny Jesus. We are often quick to say what we would never do: I ll never sin like that person ; I ll never fall into that temptation ; That would never be me. But what happens when we make these statements (even to ourselves)? It is still pride that results from comparison pride in thinking that we would never do something as bad as some other person. We should be cautious not to think we are safe from certain sins because of our church attendance, our upbringing, or our merit. The disciples response was defensive denial instead of humble selfreflection. This response offers a great lesson to believers, even today. When met with a hard truth spoken or a difficult question asked, what will our response be? Certainly, the church is a more comfortable place when we refrain from asking hard questions or pressing each other to confront difficult truths. However, comfort is not what we have been called to as Christians. Certainly, Jesus speaking about His betrayer while He sat across the table was anything but comfortable. But instead of looking around to see who was to blame, the disciples needed to examine their own hearts and loyalty to Christ. So, too, must we take every opportunity to look inward instead of pointing a finger. It is this kind of self-examination that Paul taught in 1 Corinthians 11:28. Before coming to the Lord s table, we should examine our own hearts, knowing that wherever we lack, Christ meets us with just what we need in His own body and blood. Jesus words that the one who would betray Him was one who shared the very bowl from which they were dipping their bread emphasized Jesus closeness to His disciples. 4 The one who would betray Jesus wasn t a far-off 7 Leader Guide

8 enemy. It wasn t someone who had been scheming from the beginning to stop Jesus. It was a man who had walked with them, one who had ministered alongside them. Jesus had known all along that Judas was going to betray Him. This wasn t a surprise to Him. And yet, Jesus still chose to call Judas one of His disciples. 3. Jesus Offers His Body and Blood (Mark 14:22-26) The celebration of the Passover was a tradition for the Hebrew people. Each part of the meal was symbolic. The head of the household, or group sharing the meal, would explain each part as they went through the meal. It would have been normal that Jesus did this during the meal with His closest disciples. 5 However, this time was different. This time, Jesus gave an entirely new meaning to this shared meal. The meal began in typical fashion. Jesus, as the host, broke the bread and blessed it. However, this time, Jesus declared that the bread broken represented His own body. After breaking the bread, He took the cup, gave thanks, and shared it with all the disciples. After they drank, He declared that the cup was His blood of the covenant, which would be poured out for many. This passage does not state clearly if the disciples picked up on the Old Testament echoes. They might have been shocked by Jesus invitation to eat His body and drink His blood. Nonetheless, one can t help but hear echoes of Moses words in Exodus 24:8 as he confirmed the covenant between God and Israel, after they had been freed from slavery in Egypt. As the blood of a sacrificed animal sealed the covenant made between God and Israel, even more so would Jesus blood soon to be spilled on the cross seal the new covenant. Why do you think Jesus chose something so common a meal with bread and a cup to explain the significance of His sacrifice? What hope does this Last Supper account offer us? How do we hold onto that hope each time we come to the Lord s Supper? After explaining the new meaning of the bread and the cup, Jesus declared that He would not again drink the fruit of the vine with them until they were together in the kingdom of God. Certainly, the immediacy of His death was hanging overhead. Yet, this wasn t the end of the story. Jesus encouraged the disciples that this was not the final meal they would have together. And each time they came to the table, they were to proclaim the Lord s death until He returned (1 Corinthians 11:26). Each time they gathered around the table they would remember, not only God s rescue of Session 10 8

9 The Passover Hymn It was an established part of the Passover tradition to sing the Hallel, which comprised Psalms Psalms were sung before the meal, and after the meal. While Mark didn t specify what Jesus and the disciples were singing in verse 26, it was likely that they were singing the second part of the Hallel. the people of Israel, but also His ultimate rescue of them from sin. Indeed, it wasn t a meal they had merely watched Jesus eat they partook of it themselves. Eating the bread and drinking the cup was to remind them that they would also partake in His suffering. 6 It should also be noted that Mark said all of the disciples drank from the cup presumably Judas, too. Even the one who had only a day earlier promised to betray Jesus had a seat at Jesus table for the last time. Jesus knew what was coming and that Judas would betray Him. Certainly, Jesus knew Judas heart and intentions from the beginning. Yet, the fact that all twelve were at the table shows Jesus continual love, even to those who were His enemies. This also provides hope for us as we are often more like Judas than we would like to believe. We have hope that even when we come to the table having betrayed Him, Christ meets us with His body and blood. When we come doubting, not wanting to face the pain to come, Christ meets us with His body and blood. However we come, if we come ready to receive and assess our own hearts before Him, Christ meets us with His body and blood. Conclusion Though it was common for the disciples to share the Passover meal, this final meal with Jesus was anything but commonplace. As the cross loomed just around the corner, Jesus saw it fitting to share a meal with His brothers. For Jesus, to set His last meal with the disciples in the Passover meal served to demonstrate the greater story that was unfolding and the significance of what was to come. As Passover served to remember God s rescuing Israel, so this meal Christ s own body and blood was and is to remember His sacrifice that would release us from the enslavement of sin fully and finally. In the Lord s Supper, Christians have a tangible reminder of Christ s sacrifice and our salvation that has been secured by Him. We have a tangible rhythm that we can taste, see, and touch as we actively share in it. We are reminded that Jesus Himself has invited us to His table. When we come, He calls us to search our own hearts and come, even though we have done nothing to deserve it. He invites us to eat and drink as we remember His body that was broken and His blood that was poured out for our sake. For every time we come, we proclaim the gospel. What does it mean that Jesus allows us to participate in the Lord s Supper, not merely observe it? How does that call extend to the work of His kingdom? 9 Leader Guide

10 Have there been times you have felt unworthy to come to His table? How does the gospel offer you grace in those times? How does having a tangible reminder allow you to better remember what God has done? How can you more intentionally prepare to come to the Lord s Supper in the future? Prayer of Response Pray and thank God for the Lord s Supper as a reminder of Christ s sacrifice on your behalf. Pray that He would help you rightly assess your heart before Him and confess sin where needed. Additional Resources The Lord s Supper by Thomas Schreiner and Matthew Crawford Until He Comes by Charles Spurgeon 40 Questions About Baptism and The Lord s Supper by John S. Hammett Session 10 10

11 For Next Week Session Title --Crucified Main Passages --Mark 15:16-32 Session Outline 1. Jesus was Despised and Rejected (Mark 15:16-20) 2. Pick Up Your Cross and Follow Him (Mark 15:21-24) 3. He Bore Punishment for Our Peace (Mark 15:25-32) Memorize 22 As they were eating, he took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to them, and said, Take it; this is my body. 23 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 He said to them, This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. -Mark 12:22-24 Daily Readings --Monday - Mark 15:1-5 --Tuesday - Mark 15: Wednesday - Mark 15: Thursday - Mark 15: Friday - Mark 15: Saturday - Mark 15: Leader Guide

12 Extended Commentary Mark 14: :12. The phrase, on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, shows that the Jews observed the Passover feast as part of the eighth-day celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The day of the week was Thursday. The Passover was to be celebrated in Jerusalem. Preparations needed to be made for the feast, since Jesus and his disciples were in Bethany and the meal needed to be eaten by midnight. 14: Jesus sent two of the disciples (Peter and John, according to Luke 22:8) to make the preparations for the Passover observance. They would know where to go to prepare for the Passover because they would meet a man carrying a jar of water. Women, not men, usually carried water jars. This man would lead them to a house where there would be a guest room. According to Jewish custom, if a person in Jerusalem had a room available, he was to lend it to any pilgrims who needed a place to celebrate the feast. It appears that Jesus had already made arrangements with this man. The room had all that was necessary for Jesus and the disciples to celebrate this last supper together. It would be up to Peter and John to prepare the food. The food consisted of roasted lamb, unleavened bread, and the dish of bitter herbs (Exod. 12:8-20). The lamb reminded the Jews of the blood that was applied to the doorposts of their homes to keep the angel of death from slaying their firstborn. The bread was unleavened to remind them of the haste in which they left Egypt (Exod. 12:39). The bitter herbs spoke of their suffering as Pharaoh s slaves. The drinking of wine was added later to the ceremony. 14:17. Jesus and the other disciples apparently spent the day in Bethany while Peter and John prepared the feast. Bethany is a suburb of Jerusalem, only a couple of miles away. After they had made the preparations, Peter and John probably went to get Jesus and the disciples so they could celebrate the Passover feast. The Jewish day began at sundown, so it was Thursday night when they gathered at the room in Jerusalem. 14:18. While they were eating the Passover meal, Jesus declared, one of you will betray me one who is eating with me. To break bread with someone was to enter into a pact of friendship and mutual trust. It would be an act of incredible treachery to break bread and then to betray your host. Not only was it someone who was breaking bread with Jesus but it was one of his own friends who had been with him for more than two Session 10 12

13 years. This would have seemed unbelievable to the disciples. They did not know that Judas had already made arrangements to betray Jesus. 14:19. The disciples must have felt like they had been punched in the stomach. The phrase, they were saddened, shows incredible grief and pain at the thought that one of them could be Jesus betrayer. One by one, including Judas, they asked, Surely, not I? This question seems almost rhetorical in that each one was hoping to hear, No, not you. All of the disciples, except Judas, were honestly seeking an answer because of their fear. Judas asked in order to maintain his cover-up as the inside man for the religious leaders. If he had not asked, he might have made the others suspicious. 14:20. Jesus made it clear that his betrayer was in the room eating with him. Now Jesus gave another detail by saying, it is... one who dips bread into the bowl with me (dipping a piece of unleavened bread in the Passover sauce). Each disciple had dipped a piece of bread in the bowl while eating with Jesus, so the specifics of who exactly was Jesus betrayer was not revealed. Yet, Jesus emphasized that the person who betrayed him had enjoyed a close relationship with him. 14:21. While Judas betrayed Jesus for his own selfish reasons, behind his action was a divine purpose. The upcoming events concerning the Son of Man (Jesus) were not chance occurrences. The Scriptures were being fulfilled (Isa. 53) Yet, the phrase, but woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man, shows he was responsible for his decision and its consequences in betraying Jesus. 14:22. Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it,... saying Take it, this is my body. Jesus took the unleavened bread they were eating, divided it, and gave it to the disciples. The bread represented Jesus body. 14: The phrase, then he took the cup, referred to the wine they were drinking with the meal. Jesus gave thanks. The word thanks means Eucharist in the Greek language. Jesus expanded on the meaning of the cup by saying, This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. On the cross, Jesus would fulfill the old covenant and establish a new covenant. The animal sacrifices of the old covenant were carried out repeatedly. The new covenant was accomplished, once and for all, by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross (Heb. 9-10). The new covenant would take away sin and cleanse the heart and conscience of the believer. Salvation no longer would come by Old Testament avenues but by faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior. The prophet Jeremiah prophesied of such a day (Jer. 31:31-34). This day was about to happen. 13 Leader Guide

14 14: From this verse we get the phrase Last Supper or Lord s Supper. This was Jesus last supper or feast of celebration until that day when I drink it [the wine] anew in the kingdom of God. Jesus pointed out to his disciples that there was a future and a hope. He was facing incredible suffering, persecution, and rejection, but he would be victorious when he rose from the grave. This victory would be complete when he celebrated with a new redeemed community in the kingdom of God (Rev. 3:20-21; 19:6-9). They ended the meal, as was customary, by singing Psalms , the traditional Passover hymn. 7 References 1. Social Eating Connects Communities. University of Oxford. March 16, Accessed November 27, news/ social-eating-connects-communities. 2. France, R.T. The Gospel of Mark. NIGTC. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, Currie, Thomas W. Mark: A Feasting on the Word Commentary. Feasting on the Gospels. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, Lipsett, B. Diane. Mark: A Feasting on the Word Commentary. Feasting on the Gospels. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, France, R.T. The Gospel of Mark. NIGTC. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, Ibid. 7. Anders, Max E. Mark. Holman New Testament Commentary. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, Session 10 14