Friday, November 22, 2024

A Special Meal

N.T.#429 "A Special Meal"

Nov. 22, 2024

Mark 14-Part 7

LET IT GLOW 

Here in America, families will soon be gathering together to eat a Thanksgiving meal. Will we remember to give thanks to the One who has provided it, the One who gave Himself as a Sacrificial Lamb?

It was a special meal, Jesus' last meal with His disciples, a special time together. They were sharing and celebrating the Passover meal, which was in remembrance of the first-born Hebrew not being killed whenever the blood was on the doorpost of a house. (That took place while the Jews were slaves in Egypt.) The table was set with the Passover lamb roasted in order to eat, unleavened bread, sauces, and wine. (Previously, the Passover lamb's blood had been sprinkled on the altar in the Temple.)

This perfect lamb without blemish was killed at twilight (Ex. 12:6) between 3 and 5 P.M. After its blood was sprinkled on the altar, the lamb was taken home, roasted whole, and eaten in the evening meal with unleavened bread, bitter herbs (a paste made of crushed apples, dates, pomegranates, and nuts, into which the bread was dipped. (MacArthur)

Peter and John were the two men allowed to accompany a lamb to the sacrifice. The meal was eaten at night after sunset and completed before midnight. (Ex. 12:8-14) 

The order of the Passover meal included:

  1. Drinking a cup of red wine mixed with water. (Luke 22:17)
  2. The ceremonial washing of hands symbolizing the need for spiritual and moral cleansing.
  3. Eating the bitter herbs, symbolic of the bondage in Egypt
  4. Drinking the second cup of wine, at which time the head of the household explained the meaning of Passover
  5. Singing of the Hallel (Ps.. 113-118), but at this time they sang the first two.
  6. Serving the lamb, with the head of the household distributing pieces of it with the unleavened bread (bread with yeast represented sin).
  7. Drinking the third cup of wine.(MacArthur)
There were several dishes on the low table, so Judas was dipping in the same bowl with Jesus, since he was sitting near Him. Yet, Jesus was no victim. This betrayal was predicted in Psalm 22, Isaiah 53, and was part of God's predetermined plan to provide salvation. (Acts 2:23)

Although, a cold-blooded hypocrite sat among the group. What a sharp contrast of the love and devotion of Mary with the hatred and treachery of Judas. Iscariot means "man of Kerioth," which was a small town in Judea about 23 miles south of Jerusalem. (3:19) 


LET IT GROW

What do we learn about Judas Iscariot?

  • Judas was not a Galilean like the other disciples. 
  • Clearly, he never had any spiritual interest in Jesus.
  • He was attracted to Jesus because he expected Him to become a powerful religious and political leader. 
  • He saw great potential for power, wealth, and prestige through associating with Jesus.
  • Judas was the one who would betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver so that Scripture and God's plan of salvation would be fulfilled.  (John MacArthur)

Verse 21, NLT says, It would be far better for that man if he had never been born. 

The terror Judas experienced in hell would be so great. It is the consequence of unbelief in Jesus as Savior.

Dear one, have you believed on the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior? If you die in your unbelief, then you, too, will suffer forever in hell, paying for your sins.

If you have asked Jesus to forgive your sins and be your Savior, you will have the enjoyment of heaven with Jesus and other believers.

LET IT GO 

How loving You are, King Jesus!

Please forgive us of our sins and failures, cleansing our soul with Your blood.

Glory to the Lamb!

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