The Perfect Passover (Mark 14:12-16, 22-25)

July 4, 2010

I.     Preparations for the Passover meal, vv. 12-16.
A.     Jesus sent two disciples to prepare the Passover meal.
     1.     The disciples obviously expected to observe Passover.
     2.     Peter and John went ahead from Bethany.
     3.     How did Jesus know all of these things?
          a.     He could have known supernaturally.
          b.     He probably prearranged everything.
               1)     Security was an issue.
               2)     Possibly the house of John Mark.
B.     There were four basic elements of the Passover meal.
     1.     Lamb: recalled the sacrifice for the 10th plague in Egypt.
     2.     Unleavened bread: recalled the quick escape from Egypt.
     3.     Bitter herbs: recalled Israel's suffering in Egypt.
     4.     Four cups of wine: recalled God's deliverance from Egypt.
II.     New meaning for an old tradition, vv. 22-25.
     A.     Jesus established a way to remember His sacrifice.
          1.     Bread: symbolized giving of His body.
               a.     He willingly gave Himself in our place.
               b.     Reminds of His humanity.
          2.     Wine: symbolized giving of His blood.
               a.     Blood is the source of life (given willingly).
               b.     Established a new covenant.
                    1)     Old: repeated sacrifices for sin.
                    2)     New: one time sacrifice for sin.
     B.     Jesus called for an act of faith.
          1.     Eating the bread/wine symbolize acceptance of His sacrifice.
          2.     Continue celebrating until He returns, v. 25.

Personal Challenges
1.     Jesus sacrificed Himself for you. What have you done for Him?
     a.     Approach each part of worship as coming from your heart.
     b.     Thank Jesus for providing wonderful reminders of His love.
2.     Do you know God in a personal relationship?