Today’s passage: Matthew 26:17-35
Helpful thoughts:
- The terms, “Feast of Unleavened Bread” and the “Passover” were often used interchangeably though one is a part of the other.
- All of the disciples but Judas ask, “Is it I, Lord?” Then, in his exposing, Judas asks, “Is it I, Rabbi?” The difference is noted by Matthew in stating that this was Judas’ “answer” (not a question) and Jesus’ response, “You have said so.”
- Jesus has, in this passage and at this meal, transformed the Old Covenant Passover meal into the New Covenant Lord’s Supper, or Communion.
- The bread was without leaven (yeast) because leaven represented sin.
- The cup that was to be drunk after eating was called the cup of redemption. The wine was red to signify the blood of the Lamb.
- The disciples’ stumbling and scattering was prophesied in Zechariah 13:7.
- The disciples commitment to be faithful would eventually become true…but not that night.
Questions to consider:
- In what way did Judas’ response point out his heart and allegiance?
- How does the Passover feast point us to the Lamb of God and the New Covenant?
- What are we remembering when we participate in Communion?