Rooted and Grounded

Read Matthew 26:17-30.

The scene described in these scriptures is of the Last Supper (as it is known by the Church) which was a Passover meal (a Seder) which Jesus (a Jew) celebrated with his disciples (all Jews) the night He was arrested. The Seder was very ritualized.

Passover was to begin at sundown which in March or April would be at approximately 6 p.m. The meal had to be eaten within the walls of Jerusalem. For that reason, at the time of Passover, pilgrims from all over Israel would crowd into Jerusalem, and its population would swell. Passover was a very intimate meal to be shared with family and close friends. Here Jesus is with his very closest friends and disciples.

1. What do you observe? Why are we given this part of the story?
2. Read Luke 22:7-23
3. According to Luke 22:15-16, what does Jesus say about this Passover?
4. In Luke 22:19, how did Jesus describe the bread?
5. In Luke 22:20, what did Jesus say about the cup?
6. What does Jesus say about the fruit of the vine in Mark 14:25? What is implied by His statement?
7. What were the Jews told to teach their children about Passover according to Exodus 12:25-27?
8. What is the significance of the Passover for the Christian? (Hint: 1 Corinthians 5:7)
9. What prophecy did John the Baptist speak over Jesus in John 1:29? What did he mean?