Last-Supper-Lessons.Pdf

COVER

Copyright © 2020 Grace Road Church. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, contact Grace Road Church. Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. On the night of His arrest, Jesus and His disciples gathered in a borrowed room to observe the traditional Passover meal. More than feasting on the food prepared for them, the disciples received a banquet of instruction. This “Last Supper” would be a momentous occasion for the disciples as they heard the final teachings of their rabbi before His trial and execution. Knowing He was about to go to the cross, Jesus instructed His disciples with massively important lessons to prepare them for what lay ahead.

His words are meant for our nourishment and instruction as well. As we head toward Good Friday and ultimately Easter morning, let’s put ourselves in the room that night and pull up a chair to hear from our Teacher and Lord, Jesus. The following seven devotional thoughts highlight selected passages of John chapters 13 through 17. Read the passages, hear the words of Jesus, and meditate on what He desires to teach you. Feast this week on these Last Supper Lessons. Read John 13:1-20

Take a moment and think about what you just read: God, the Sovereign, Creator King, humbled Himself, took the form of a servant, and washed the dirty feet of His followers.

Foot washing was a very common practice in those days. Because the roads were mainly dirt roads and the people wore sandals, their feet were often very dirty. Hospitality, then, included providing water for guests to wash their feet. However, to wash someone else’s feet was considered such a demeaning task that only non-Jewish slaves were asked to do it. And yet, Jesus breaks cultural norms to serve others.

Imagine how humbling of an experience this must have been for the disciples. They believed Jesus is the Son of God and they watched Him perform the lowliest of deeds…for them. In Luke’s account of the Last Supper we read that the disciples had been arguing over who would be the greatest in the kingdom of God (Luke 22:24-30). In fact this wasn’t even the first time they’d had this conversation (Luke 9:46-48). Seeing as they hadn’t learned their lesson the first time, Jesus goes to great lengths to demonstrate humility and service. The message is clear: greatness in the kingdom means service for others.

Even though we don’t practice foot washing today, the call to humble service in the face of arrogance and pride is not lost on us. The disciples arguing and competing for position reflects our own cultural values that we have come to expect and, maybe, even grown comfortable with. What is valued today? Power. Prestige. Respect. People work hard, cut corners, and step on others simply to get ahead. But Jesus teaches us that the values of His kingdom are oftentimes opposite of the values of our world. And these kingdom values set the pattern of living for kingdom people.

Notice again verses 3 and 4, “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist.” Because Jesus knew of His own authority, deity, and eventual ascension and exaltation, He washed the disciples’ feet. In other words, Jesus’ authority was the reason for humble service, not an escape from it. And this is to be the pattern of life for His followers. Whatever position we are in, whatever influence we have, whatever authority we possess, we must use it to serve others. That’s the way of Jesus.

Ultimately, Jesus would do much more than just wash the feet of His twelve disciples. He would wash all of His people from their sins. By taking the form of a servant He would go to the cross, in our place, and bear the punishment of our sins (Phil. 2:5-11). Now, washed by His blood through our faith, we stand clean before the Father for all eternity. The Creator has washed His dirtied creation.

Last Supper Lesson #1 Disciples of Jesus leverage their authority and influence to serve others rather than serve themselves.

Reflection

In what ways this week can you seek to serve and not be served?

How can you leverage your authority or influence to serve others in humility?

Maybe you feel like you have no authority or influence. Ask anyway, how can I seek to gladly serve others in humility? Read John 13:31-35

On His final night before his crucifixion, Jesus leaves His disciples with a new command. Like a commanding officer orders His troops, Jesus orders His followers to action. They are to love one another.

It is interesting that Jesus calls this a “new” command, though. To love others was not exactly a new idea for God-fearing people. In fact, we can read of God’s instructions all the way back in Leviticus for the nation of Israel to love their neighbors as themselves (Lev. 19:18). So what is “new” about this command to love now? Jesus here changes the standard of love. “Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:34). Jesus, now, is the standard by which His disciples are to love others. To be demonstrated soon at the cross, Jesus would love sacrificially and humbly, putting the needs of others before His own. Our love, then, is to reflect the love of Christ in the gospel.

And the stakes for loving others like Jesus has loved us are high. After telling the disciples of His nearing departure, He tells them, and us, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). It’s as if Jesus was saying to them, “Up to this point, disciples, you have been with me. You have followed me. Others have watched you be with me, eat with me, travel with me, minister with me. It was very clear to others that you were my disciples. But I am leaving soon. Your physical presence near me will no longer be your point of identification with me. Soon, others will only know that you follow me because you love like me.”

Of course Jesus’ words ring true today as well. Though we can’t be in Jesus’ physical presence (yet), our actions and attitudes should reflect His heart of love. Jesus and love are so connected that in order to identify with Jesus, a disciple must be loving. Love therefore, for a Christian, is more than an act or attitude. Love is an identity. We are identifying ourselves with the One who is love. Love is proof of our relationship with Him.

This lesson clearly had an impact on the apostle John that night. He would later write about the connection between our love and our identity with Jesus. Let these few examples from His first epistle encourage and challenge our hearts:

By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother. (1 John 3:10)

We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. (1 John 3:14)

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:7-8)

Last Supper Lesson #2 Love is the defining characteristic of a true disciple of Jesus.

Reflection

Are you considered a loving person? Do you show grace to others? Do you serve others in humility? Do you sacrifice to meet the needs of others? Do you forgive when you are wronged or hurt by others?

If not, how might the gospel challenge your unloving attitudes and behaviors? Read John 13:36-14:3

Goodbyes are hard. Watching someone you care for leave is a difficult experience we can all understand. Whether it is a spouse leaving on a business trip, dear friends who have visited but need to return home, or observing a loved one walk through the final days of their earthly life, saying goodbye is a painful experience.

At the end of chapter 13, we get a sense of the emotions that the disciples were working through as Jesus explained that He would be leaving soon. As he so often did, Peter spoke up amongst the group declaring that he was willing to give his life if that is what it would take to follow Jesus where He would be going. He would rather die than say goodbye. Of course he doesn’t, at least not on the night of Jesus’ arrest.

Jesus speaks words of comfort to the grieving disciples, “Let not your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1). Troubled was an accurate description of the disciples that evening. Everything they expected for their lives by following Jesus was about to change. The kingdom they had longed for would look different than they thought. The King they had come to love was about to be killed rather than clearly and decisively reigning in victory over His enemies. In a way, we can identify with the disciples here. We all have expectations of God of how we think He should act in our lives, how He should provide, and how He should protect. And when He doesn’t act according to our expectations, our faith is shaken. Our hearts become troubled.

But catch Jesus’ encouragement for them and us. We should not let our hearts be troubled, not simply because we will go to be with Him one day, but because one day He will return to be with us. The Bible teaches us a lot about the return of Christ. His return will be literal (Acts 1:10-11), with power and glory (Luke 21:27), unexpected (Matt. 24:36; 2 Pet. 3:10), bring final judgment (2 Thess. 1:6-10), and renew all things reversing the curse of sin (Rom. 8:19-21). This is why the apostle Paul would describe the return of Christ as “our blessed hope” (Titus 2:13). Regardless of the disappointments, suffering, trials, or discouragements we face in this life, there is much to look forward to when Christ returns.

We don’t have to be be troubled because Jesus will return. Jesus is preparing for us an eternal home and will one day return to gather His people to dwell with Him forever. We can stand in difficult moments today we because we have a hope for tomorrow. We know that this is not it!

Last Supper Lesson #3 The hope of eternity is strength for today.

Reflection

Is your heart troubled today? Why?

How might the future return of Christ calm your worries, anxieties, and fears? Read John 14:4-6

Before Christians were ever called Christians, they were called followers of “the Way” (Acts 9:2). This designation was not merely due to a certain way of life that they had adopted but because the One whom they followed had described Himself as “the way.” Jesus unequivocally taught that He was the exclusive way back to God (Matt. 7:13-14; Luke 13:23-24; John 10:7-9).

The exclusivity of Christ is one of the most, if not the most, offensive aspects of Christianity to our modern culture. Many in our Western society have adopted a pluralistic mindset, that is, the belief that there are many valid ways to God. Like taking various paths up a mountain, all religions, they say, will lead to the same place. So for Jesus back then, and Christians today, to claim that there is only one way to have a right relationship with God seems narrow-minded and unloving. After all, if God was truly loving, why would He provide only one way back to Him? If you find yourself asking that question or are asked it by a non-Christian friend or family member, it is important to keep things in perspective.

In the Old Testament we read of the life and ministry of the prophet Isaiah. He recounts for us a life altering moment when he encounters God and is called to his prophetic ministry. He tells us that as he sees God on His throne with angels singing His praise declaring that He is “holy, holy, holy,” Isaiah is overwhelmed by his own unworthiness. “‘Woe to me!’ I cried. ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty’” (Is. 6:5). At the feet of the all-holy, all-powerful God of the universe, who was Isaiah? Who are any of us?

When we come to a proper understanding of man’s sinfulness in light of God’s perfect holiness, the question is no longer, “Why is there only one way to God?” The question becomes, “Why is there any way at all?”

It is an understatement to say that it is an absolute gift to have a way for salvation. God was under no obligation whatsoever to provide us a way back to him, yet He did. And that, by no small sacrifice on His part. Jesus in the upper room with His disciples that night reminds them that He is the only way back to God. And soon He would walk the way to Calvary with a cross on His back so we could walk our way back into the presence of the Father.

Last Supper Lesson #4 God is abundantly gracious in providing a way back to Him through Jesus.

Reflection

Have you put your faith in Jesus and found your way back to God?

After Jesus’ resurrection He would charge His disciples with the task to go and make disciples of all nations. With a belief in the exclusivity of Christ for salvation, how do you think they felt? How do you feel recognizing you are called to do the same? Read John 14:15-31, 16:4-15

Technology can be a wonderful blessing. One of the times we can be especially thankful for technology is when we are away from friends and family. With programs like Skype or FaceTime we can instantly call anyone in the world and, virtually, look them in the eyes. But as great of a blessing as that is, none of us would consider it the same as physically being in the presence of our loved ones. Technology is nice, but it is no substitute for the real thing.

Unfortunately, many Christians feel this way about the Holy Spirit. Because they don’t understand who He is and what He does for us as believers, they might be thankful for Him, but think it would be better to have Jesus here with them instead. In reading the gospels we might become envious of the disciples. After all, they had the privilege of walking and talking with God in the flesh. They witnessed incredible miracles. Here in this scene in John we see them sitting and eating with Him, hearing His voice and looking into His eyes as He taught them. But things are different for us today, and if we aren’t careful, we’ll think that we have a lesser experience than the disciples in the upper room.

However, things couldn’t be further from the truth. Notice Jesus’ words to the disciples in John 16:7, “it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you.” Jesus says it is better to have the “Helper,” or Holy Spirit, in us than Jesus beside us. But why? Why is it better? Ultimately because we can have a deeper, more intimate relationship with God through the Holy Spirit; a relationship where God not only lives among us but lives within us. Whereas the disciples had to share time with Jesus, now all believers have His Spirit within them granting them immediate and unlimited access. Beyond that the “Helper” does so many things for us. A few examples of our “Helper’s” ministry include sealing us (Eph. 1:13, 4:30), convicting us (John 16:8), guiding us (John 16:13; Rom. 8:14), teaching us (John 14:26), sanctifying us (1 Pet. 1:2), comforting us (Acts 9:31), giving us gifts for service (1 Cor. 12:11), and interceding for us (Rom. 8:26). What a gift!

Though Jesus has yet to return physically, we are not alone. God’s Spirit dwells within us. We can bare our souls to God like we can’t with anyone else. We can receive peace for our troubled hearts that we can’t find anywhere else. Thank God for sending us a Helper, His Holy Spirit.

Last Supper Lesson #5 Because of the indwelling Holy Spirit, God not only lives among us, He lives within us.

Reflection

How have you recognized the Spirit in your life?

What kind of misunderstandings about His character and work have you had?

In what ways do you need to lean on the Helper today? Read John 15:1-17

For as long as I can remember, my grandfather has had a well maintained garden. Like all gardeners, he works hard tending to his plants. He waters them, pulls weeds, and harvests the fruits and vegetables that come in due time. Gardeners do a lot of work, but ultimately they must rely on nature to do the rest. Much of the process in growing a garden is out of the gardener’s hands.

Jesus likens our relationship with Him as branches attached to a vine. During this section of His teaching in the upper room, Jesus offers the picture of a gardener (God the Father) who tends the branches (us) attached to the vine (Jesus) that they might bear fruit. And not just some fruit. The gardener, or “vinedresser,” works so His branches bear “more fruit” (15:2) and “much fruit” (15:8). For those who are in Christ the Spirit works to bring about the fruit of Christ-like character (Gal. 5:22-23). But the focus of the illustration that Jesus gives is not merely the idea that we are to bear fruit, but how we bear fruit.

Jesus explains that there are two ways Christians bear fruit. First, the vinedresser prunes the branches. One of the jobs of the gardener is to go through the branches on a vine and see which parts of the branches are growing fruit and which are not. He then cuts the parts that are not to make room for the parts that are so that they can bear more fruit. This is exactly what God does to us. By way of discipline (Heb. 12:11) and using life’s trials to produce good in us (James 1:2-4) God prunes us. Christian, in difficult times remember the Gardener is at work in your life to see more fruit develop. Second, Christians bear more fruit by abiding in Jesus. Clinging to the vine of our salvation we treasure His Word for nourishment and the promises that the gospel bring. And as we do we can be assured of the development of fruit in our lives. While we abide in Jesus, we can rest knowing that the Father, Son, and Spirit are all at work to bring about fruit.

Notice also Jesus calls himself the “true” vine. One aspect of that description is the important truth that there are no substitutes. It is easy for us to attach ourselves to “false” vines which can never bring about the fruit God desires. Some cling to their job or possessions hoping they will experience joy. Some look for peace in their finances or job security. Some try to muster up self-control with their own will. But none of these are true sources for fruit. Don’t attach yourself to false vines and expect to bear Christ-like fruit. Fruitfulness for the Christian is experienced only as we abide in Christ and trust the pruning work of the Father.

Last Supper Lesson #6 Fruit is borne by abiding, not by trying.

Reflection

What kind of fruit can you recognize in your life?

In what ways have you experienced God pruning you?

Can you identify any false vines to which you’ve attached yourself ? Read John 17:1-26

The time had come for Jesus to do what He came to do. Soon Jesus would be arrested, put on trial, mocked, beaten, nailed to a cross, and laid in a tomb. The disciples had been with Jesus a few years now learning from Him, hearing Him teach, watching Him care for people, and preparing them for their future ministries. But things were about to change. This moment marked an end of an era for the disciples and Jesus. And before Jesus walked out of the upper room to face Calvary’s cross, He prayed with His disciples.

We can only imagine the emotions in that room at that moment. The disciples soaking up the final moments with their beloved Master. Jesus pouring out His heart before the Father for the ones He loves. In what is known as “the High Priestly Prayer,” Jesus prays for three things. First, He prays for His glory (John 17:1-5). In the incarnation Jesus had laid aside some privileges of His deity. Now as the hour of His death, resurrection, and ascension was approaching, Jesus prayed that He would be restored to the glory that He had always had since before creation. Second, Jesus prayed for the disciples (John 17:6-19). He asks the Father to protect them from the evil one and to sanctify them, setting them apart to live a holy life of service. Third, Jesus prays for us (John 17:20-26). He prays for every person who would come to faith through the preaching and teaching of the apostles. And He gives special attention to our unity (v. 21-23), revealing that there is a direct connection between the way a church family behaves and the power of their testimony to the lost world around them (v. 21, 23).

The beauty of John 17, however, is not just in what Jesus is saying, but also in what He is doing. In standing between God and man, Jesus took on the role of a priest. Priests would intercede on behalf of the people they represented. As the mediator of the relationship between God and his people, priests were tasked with praying and offering sacrifices according to God’s law. This work went on and on for generations. Sacrifice after sacrifice. Priest after priest.

But then came Jesus. Jesus as the true and better priest would not only intercede on behalf of His people but would also become the sacrifice for His people. His sacrifice would be the single, perfect sacrifice that would make all other sacrifices unnecessary (Heb. 7:26-28; 9:11-12, 24-28; 10:11-14).

Jesus is our Great High Priest. His sacrifice will never be in question. It will never expire. It will never need renewal. He forever sits on His throne interceding on behalf of you and me (Rom. 8:34). We now can have hope for eternity, courage in prayer, and comfort in our failures as we await the day we dwell with God forever, all based on the finished work of Jesus.

Last Supper Lesson #7 In Jesus we have both a great high priest and a perfect sacrificial lamb.

Reflection

How does the single, perfect sacrifice of Jesus offer your assurance for your salvation?

How does it make you feel knowing that Jesus intercedes for you even today?