Sorry about the choppy format. I wrote this for a men's group, and wanted to share it with those who wanted to study further. Feel free to write with questions. Email is markcowperthwaite@roadrunner.com
1.Introduction- Jesus and the disciples- Matthew 26:26-30, Mark 14:22-26, Luke 22:19-20
A. History- the blood and body sacrificed-
Abraham and Isaac- the lamb for burnt offering Gen 22:7
Passover in Egypt- spotless lamb less than a year old - Ex. 12:5,7
B. The meal with the disciples- time with Jesus, fellowship
C. Worship- recognizing Jesus as able to pay the sacrifice, perfection, truly God. John 1:29 "takes away the sin of the world"
2.Remembrance for today- Acts 2:42,46 Acts 20:7 Focus on Jesus- 1 Corinthians 11:23-32
A.Blood-
Jesus as the lamb- Is. 53:7, John 1:29, Rev.12:10-11, Rev. 5:12-14
Lamb as picture of innocence- Luke 10:3,Matt 10:16
B.Body-
Broken for us- no bones broken, but body broken, no longer alive.
Reflection- Jesus willingly sacrificed Himself for you, we need to walk
worthily- 1Cor. 11:27
C.Unity through worship- fellowship around the table, one common goal, to worship and
bring glory to Jesus as He is worthy of our praise. When we come around the table,
we have one purpose in mind, and everyone at the table should be there for the same reason, not to further an agenda, to share problems, but only to focus on Jesus.
3.What it is not- Luke 22:21-27
The problem seems to be whenever people get together, there is conflict. This ought never to be inside the assembly of believers gathered to worship. We need to put aside our sin, our pride, our hurt feelings, and remember that we are the body of Christ, brought together for the purpose of glorifying and serving Him. We are not here for ourselves, though we are ministered to by the Holy Spirit. We are gathered for the purpose that Jesus instituted when he said "this do in remembrance of me" We are not here to air our grievances or to show each other up, but rather, are to be gathered quietly, in solemn manner, to remember the work of Jesus Christ on the cross for us.
Where two or three are gathered, He is here in our midst. It is often asked "If Jesus were standing there with you, would you ..." Well, friends we have no reason to question "If" but only to remember that Jesus is here, in the center of the assembly, worthy of worship, praise and adoration. It is Jesus who instituted this meeting, and His sacrifice that we remember. We need to leave our differences behind, and look only toward Him as we come. Only when we have a singleness of mind and focus can we truly worship as we should. Eph. 4:13,16- Colossians 3:12-17
