The Night of Crisis

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.” And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same. (Matthew 26:26-35 ESV).

Today is known as Maundy Thursday. Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. During the meal Jesus took bread and wine and shared them with his disciples. So much takes place on this day and night. It is as if the vents have taken on a life of their own. Momentum builds exponentially ultimately leading to the crucifixion. There is so much to be said for the actual progression of the events. While we don’t have the time or space to deal with every aspect of this event, I’d like to focus on one particular point. The Last Supper brought the Old Testament observance of the Passover feast to its fulfillment. Passover was an especially holy event for the Jewish people in that it commemorated the time when God spared them from the plague of physical death and brought them out of slavery in Egypt (cf. Exodus 11-13). During the Last Supper with His apostles, Jesus took two symbols associated with Passover and gave them fresh meaning as a way to remember His sacrifice. First, Jesus predicts He will suffer soon after this meal and it will be His last meal prior to finishing His work on behalf of the kingdom of God (cf. Luke 22:15-16). Second, Jesus gives His followers symbols of remembrance for His body and His blood sacrificed on behalf of all mankind. He uses the bread and wine as essentials to help us remember that he was the sacrifice both with his body and blood. Third, Jesus provides a very important principle for living a Christian life. He simply demonstrates that the greatest are those who serve others, not those who expect to be served (cf. Luke 22:26). Finally, Jesus provides hope to his followers (cf. Luke 22:29-30). This may be the most important part of the supper. This night would prove to be an incredible time of stress and crisis for them. Jesus wanted them to know He was then and would always be enough for any circumstance. That’s our message today! He is enough. Trust Him.