Pastor's Sunday School Blog
Sunday School Lesson
“The Last Supper”
September 17, 2017
John 13:1-15; Matthew 26:26-30
Pastor’s Notes:
Why is “washing of the feet” not considered one of the church’s ordinances (baptism and Lord’s Supper)?
A Supper of Humble Service (John 13:1-15).
Verse one reminds the reader that what was coming was predetermined by God (See Acts 2:22-24).
Christ was motivated by love … His love for the “sheep” drove Him to complete His assignment; to die for the sins of the world.
Judas … was from the beginning a traitor … his selfishness motivated him to do what he did.
The Lord’s commitment was the result of His assurance (He knew …). The believer’s commitment to the Father is tied to his assurance of God’s call. It’s hard to be obedient when you are not sure of God’s will for one’s life.
Jesus’s washing of the disciple’s feet is not a mandate for the church, but a model for the believer.
Confession and cleansing is a part of an ongoing relationship with the Lord.
Jesus took the physical act of washing the disciple’s feet and applied it to a spiritual reality: the necessity for ongoing cleansing from sin, but not the initial act of cleansing which occurs at the moment of salvation.
Jesus models the attitude and actions of greatness which is service.
A Supper of New Covenant Sacrifice (Matthew 26:26-28).
Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-34
The setting for the Last Supper was the Passover Feast … what did the Passover Feast symbolize?
The Old Covenant was based on the blood of a sacrifice which could only set aside sin temporarily … while the New Covenant was based on the blood of the Sacrifice which sets aside the penalty of sin permanently (See Hebrews 9:11-15).
“bread” .. “body” … “broken” – crucifixion
“cup” = blood
Paul tells us that the Lord’s Supper is meant to remind us of who Jesus is and what He did (1 Corinthians 11:24, 25).
Note the personal response… “Take and eat” “drink from it”
Discuss (from 1 Corinthians 11:23-34) the believer’s preparation for the Lord’s Supper and what it mean to partake unworthily.
A Supper of Kingdom Anticipation (Matthew 26:29-30).
The Lord’s Supper has a past aspect “remember Jesus.” The Lord’s Supper has a present aspect (cleansing, commitment, and celebration). The Lord’s Supper has a prophetic aspect (The reunion in heaven).
Also see John 14:1-3.
Theological Theme: The Lord’s Supper symbolizes the sacrificial nature of Christ’s death.
Christological/Christ Connection: Christ death and resurrection was and is the basis of God’s New Covenant, the Covenant of Grace.
Missional Application: Participating in the Lord’s Supper is meant to remind the participants of the finished work of Jesus Christ and to reassure them of the Lord’s return.