You Need to Remember - Luke 22:1-72 - April 2, 2006

Sunday School Lesson - You Need to Remember – April 2, 2006

This begins a new series of bible study entitled “You Can be a Witness.”

April 2 – The LORD’S Supper, servant attitude and remaining faithful. Luke 22:1-72

April 9 – Why tell others about the death of JESUS? Luke 23:1-55

April 16 – HE arose! Without the resurrection HIS death would have been no different than any other person who has ever lived.
Luke 24:1-53

April 23 – We have the good news and we are commissioned to tell it. Acts 1:1-26

April 30 – The marvelous gift of THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHO empowers us to be HIS witnesses and to help us know GOD.
Acts 2: 1-47

Our background scripture is Luke 22:1-72

Our focus scripture is Luke 22: 7-13, 14-20, 24-27 and 31-34.

Remembering can be wonderful or it can be very painful. It all depends on what we are remembering.

There are some things we need to remember. We need to remember our name, where we live, who our spouse is, who our children are, that we have been saved, scripture and many, many other things. We celebrate Memorial Day to remember those who have given their life for us to have and enjoy freedom.

Our first scripture focuses on the LORDS’ Supper which CHRIST instituted HIMSELF. The LORDS’ Supper reminds us of the sacrifice HE made for each of us. Through HIS sacrifice we have forgiveness of our sins, eternal life, grace and righteousness. The next scripture focuses on having a servant attitude. The last scripture in today’s study was of particular importance to me. It is about Satan asking to sift the disciples like wheat. Many of us have experienced sifting in our life and it is not a pleasant time to encounter. If this is of interest to you might want to fast forward to this part of the lesson (Luke 22:31-34).

Let’s read Luke 22:7-13:
Preparation for Passover
7 Then the Day of Unleavened Bread came when the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover meal for us, so we can eat it.” 9 “Where do You want us to prepare it?” they asked Him. 10 “Listen,” He said to them, “when you’ve entered the city, a man carrying a water jug will meet you. Follow him into the house he enters. 11 Tell the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks you, “Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover with My disciples?” ’ 12 Then he will show you a large, furnished room upstairs. Make the preparations there.” 13 So they went and found it just as He had told them, and they prepared the Passover.
Passover is the celebration of GOD delivering the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The Passover celebration begins on the 14th day of the first month. The lamb without blemish is selected and killed on the 14th and the Passover meal is eaten after sundown that same day which begins the 15th.
Just think about what will happen in the 24 hours of the 15th.
v Celebration of the Passover meal.
v Institution of the LORDS’ Supper.
v JESUS is betrayed.
v JESUS is arrested
v JESUS is tried.
v JESUS is convicted.
v JESUS is severely beaten and mocked.
v 9:00 AM – JESUS is crucified.
v 12:00 Noon – Darkness comes over the area.
v 3:00 PM – JESUS gives HIS life for us.
v Burial before sundown.

If the story had ended here it would have been a very sad story but fortunately we know the rest of the story. Now back to our scripture.
JESUS tells James and John to go and prepare the Passover meal. The disciples ask a legitimate question. “Where do you want us to prepare it?”
JESUS gives them specific and undeniable instructions. When you enter the city, a man carrying a water jug will meet you. Follow him to the house he enters and tell the owner of the house, “The Teacher asks you ------ .” JESUS wanted to keep the place they would observe the Passover meal secret because the religious leaders were looking for an opportunity to kill HIM. JESUS knew HIS time had not arrived and HIS work was not complete, therefore the secrecy.
HIS instructions are unmistakable. “You will be met by a man carrying a water jug.” In that day, men did not carry a water jug because that was woman’s work. So to see a man carrying a water jug was an unusual sight and an unmistakable sign.
There are times in our journey with our LORD that HE may give us specific instructions which may seem out of the ordinary. Our part is to obey. James and John obeyed and prepared the Passover meal as instructed. They had no clue how important that meal would be in completing the Old Covenant and JESUS establishing the New Covenant. It is the new covenant that we celebrate by partaking in the LORDS’ Supper as believers’.

Let’s read Luke 22:14-23:
The First Lord’s Supper
14 When the hour came, He reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him. 15 Then He said to them, “I have fervently desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again[2] Other mss omit again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 Then He took a cup, and after giving thanks, He said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you, from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “This is My body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” 20 In the same way He also took the cup after supper and said, “This cup is the new covenant [established by]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. My blood; it is shed for you.[3] Other mss omit which is given for you (v. 19) through the end of v. 20 21 But look, the hand of the one betraying Me is at the table with Me! 22 For the • Son of Man will go away as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!” 23 So they began to argue among themselves which of them it could be who was going to do this thing.

The Passover meal was prepared. When the hour came to celebrate Passover which would have been sundown, JESUS and all HIS disciples had gathered and reclined at the table. The table would have been set in a U-shaped configuration and low to the floor. JESUS was in the middle with the most important person seated to HIS right and the next most important person seated to HIS left. The seating arrangement continued to alternate until the least important persons would be at the left and right far end of the table.

JESUS knew HIS time had arrived and this was the last time they would be together until after HIS death, burial and resurrection. This time together was critical. HE told HIS disciples that HE had been “fervently” waiting for this particular Passover meal, “before I suffer.” This statement should have made it clear to HIS disciples that HE was going to die.

Verse 16 – JESUS says HE will not eat it (Such a meal to celebrate the deliverance from the slavery of sin and death) again until it (GOD’S Kingdom is complete at the end of time.) is fulfilled in the kingdom of GOD.

In the Passover meal the cup of wine is used four times. Each participant has their own cup. Luke mentions two (2) cups. JESUS took the first cup and gave thanks and then handed it to the disciples to share. Again, HE told them HE will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of GOD comes.

JESUS took the unleavened bread broke it and compared the bread to HIS body. Just as the unleavened bread is not adulterated with yeast/leaven, JESUS is not adulterated with sin. JESUS was the perfect lamb which was sacrificed for the sins of man-kind. JESUS was present in the room breaking the bread therefore HE was referring to the bread as a symbol for HIS body.

Some religions teach that the bread and wine are the actual body and blood of CHRIST. As long we have asked CHRIST to forgive us of our sins and to come into our lives, I do not get hung up on this. THE HOLY SPIRIT will reveal the truth.

After the meal, JESUS used the cup of wine, as a symbol, to establish the new covenant which would be instituted when HIS blood was shed for the sins of the world. GOD is very specific “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin.”

THE LORDS’ Supper is now established by JESUS. Just as the Passover is observed to celebrate the escape from Egyptian slavery, JESUS established a new covenant to celebrate the eternal escape from sin and death. JESUS gave HIS body to be sacrificed for us through the shedding of HIS blood for everyone who will believe in HIM.

Life is in the blood. The shedding of blood shows that life was given and that is the payment required by GOD for the forgiveness of sin. CHRIST took our sin upon HIMSELF that we might become the righteousness of GOD. Always remember this.

2 Corinthians 5:21:

21 He made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (JESUS).

This is worth remembering and celebrating.

If we were to invite JESUS to our house for a meal, we would make sure our house was clean and everything perfect. When we celebrate the LORDS’ Supper, JESUS in essence is joining us for a time of fellowship and remembrance. HE is coming into our house, our body, the temple where THE HOLY SPIRIT dwells. This is why we need to examine our selves to make sure our house is clean of any unconfessed sin. Then we will have the most loving and intimate relationship with CHRIST when we celebrate and remember what HE has done for us.

JESUS then drops a bomb shell. One of you will betray me. This sets off speculation as to who would do such a thing. They likely thought about the seating arrangement. Who was at the very end of the table? We all betray HIM because we have all sinned. It is sin that sent JESUS to the cross.

Let’s read Luke 22: 24-30:
The Dispute over Greatness
24 Then a dispute also arose among them about who should be considered the greatest. 25 But He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles dominate them, and those who have authority over them are called[4] Or them call themselves ‘Benefactors.’[5] Title of honor given to those who benefited the public good 26 But it must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever is greatest among you must become like the youngest, and whoever leads, like the one serving. 27 For who is greater, the one at the table or the one serving? Isn’t it the one at the table? But I am among you as the One who serves. 28 You are the ones who stood by Me in My trials. 29 I bestow on you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one on Me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom. And you will sit on thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel.

Then an argument breaks out regarding who would be the greatest. This is likely sparked by the seating arrangement. Weeks earlier the question about who would sit on HIS left and right was raised. (Matthew 20:20-28 copied at the end of this lesson.) In another instance the disciples wanted to know what was in it for them because they were HIS disciples. (Matthew 19:23-30 copied at the end o this lesson.)

JESUS had already set the example of being a servant by washing the feet of HIS disciples before the Passover meal (John 13:1-20). No one else would humble themselves to do the job.

Washing the feet of guests was a common courtesy because in JESUS day they wore sandals and their feet got dusty and dirty. The job of washing feet was delegated to a slave or servant of the host. If the host did not have a slave or servant then foot washing was delegated to the youngest responsible member of the host household. Oh! Dad! Why do I have to wash everyone’s stinking feet?

Let’s read Luke 22:31-34
Peter’s Denial Predicted
31 “Simon, Simon,[6] Other mss read Then the Lord said, “Simon, Simon look out! Satan has asked to sift you[7] you (pl in Gk) like wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you[8] you (sg in Gk) that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 “Lord,” he told Him, “I’m ready to go with You both to prison and to death!” 34 “I tell you, Peter,” He said, “the rooster will not crow today until[9] Other mss read before you deny three times that you know Me!”

This is spiritually rich scripture.

Verse 31:
Simon, Simon - JESUS gets Peter’s attention by using his former name, Simon, Simon. It is believed JESUS used Peter’s former name to show that he would revert back to his former behavior or his earthly nature. JESUS gave Simon the name “Peter” in Matthew 16:18. Peter meant “rock”. In this instance JESUS used Simon and not Peter to address Peter. Could it be there is an earthly nature in Simon that needs to be dealt with in order for Simon to mature spiritually into “Peter” the large solid rock? Only GOD knows. The refining of gold to remove the impurities is tough. So it is when GOD refines our life to purify us for HIS service.

Look out! – JESUS tells Simon. I am giving you fair warning. How often do we warn people and they listen but don’t comprehend until they are in a situation. JESUS is saying, “Simon be on your guard because the next few hours are going to be horrific for you and all the disciples.”

“Satan has asked” – Notice Satan had to get permission to do what he was about to do to Peter and the disciples. No different today. Satan has to get permission to attack one of GOD’S children. Satan had to get permission from GOD to attack Job.

“to sift you like wheat.” – The purpose of sifting wheat is to separate the wheat from the chaff. It is a vigorous shaking, pitching and tossing about. The “you” used here is a plural you meaning Satan has asked to sift “all of you disciples” like wheat.

Oh the next few words are so important!

Verse 32:
“BUT I have PRAYED for you” – This is back to a single you meaning I have specifically prayed for you Peter.

“that your faith may not fail.” – Peter, THE FATHER has revealed to you that I am THE CHRIST (Matthew 16:13-19 copied at the end of this lesson.). I see in you a solid foundation of faith that will be severely tested. When our faith is tested a very important step in rebuilding and being restored is for us to recognize our sin, repent, ask for and accept forgiveness.

“And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” – Peter you will fall away but you will turn back and when you do you have a job to do. You are to strengthen your fellow disciples.

Why do bad things happen to good people?

What was GOD trying to build in Peter?

GOD is always in the character building business. Peter and the disciples had a daunting task ahead of them to spread the Good News, The Gospel of CHRIST. CHRIST appointed Peter to be the one to strengthen the other disciples. No easy assignment.

We all have or will face sifting in our lives and when we do, as hard as it is, we must keep in mind, JESUS has already prayed for us!!!!!

CHRIST is our advocate and intercedes in our behalf before THE FATHER. Satan still wants to sift us like wheat. GOD allows, but always for a higher purpose, because HE knows us and what we are made of. It is never pleasant to be in the refiners’ fire but the final product will be a masterpiece because GOD does not make junk.

1 John 2:1:

1 My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an • advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous One.

CHRIST knew Peter and knew it would be a traumatic time for him but through it all Peter would find victory. It may only be from eternity’s vantage point that we can se the final product.

But CHRIST also knew Peter as the rock. The foundation of faith had been established in Peter’s life. Upon that foundation a spiritual giant would be built by CHRIST. Peter had his faults but he had the foundation upon which to build.

1 John 4:4 tells us - 4 You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you (CHRIST) is greater than the one who is in the world (Satan).

Verse 33:
Peter responds to JESUS:
“LORD, I’m ready to go with YOU both to prison and to death!” – There is no doubt in my mind that Peter is ready to fight to the death for JESUS. So why does Peter deny JESUS not once, not twice but three times in just a few hours?

When we build up in our minds certain expectations about an individual and that individual does not meet those expectations, we are disappointed and loose faith in them. There is no question in my mind, if JESUS had resisted, Peter would have been fighting. When JESUS did not lift a finger and was somewhat PASSIVE, I think Peter’s confidence in JESUS went to zero. Peter thought JESUS was going to be an earthly ruler and he was ready to fight.

Verse 34:
JESUS addresses Peter as Peter and then says words that must have stunned Peter. Before this night is over you will deny ME not once, not twice but three times. Peter must have thought to himself I must have not heard JESUS correctly or did HE have more of the wine at supper than I realized?

The events begin to unfold quickly and we know Peter does just as JESUS had predicted.

Let’s read Luke 22:59-61:

59 Then after about an hour had passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, "Surely this fellow also was with Him, for he is a Galilean." 60 But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are saying!" Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." 62 So Peter went out and wept bitterly.

Peter was self-confident but that self-confidence just came crashing down.

Verse 61 captures the moment for me when the rooster crows and the tender loving eyes of JESUS turned and looked at Peter. CHRIST knew what Peter had done. Peter remembered what JESUS had told him and he knew he had done exactly as JESUS had described. Peter remembered and it broke his heart. Peter wept bitterly. Peter must have realized that he had disappointed JESUS. He also must have remembered JESUS telling him when he had turned back, what he was to do. Does Peter go back through his mind to recall all the moments with JESUS and ponder what was happening to JESUS?

Peter is the first disciple to whom JESUS appeared after HIS resurrection. Luke gives us a quick glimpse of this fact without the details.

Luke 24:33-34:

33 That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those with them gathered together, 34 who said,[8] Gk is specific that this refers to the Eleven and those with them. “The Lord has certainly been raised, and has appeared to Simon!”

When we repent JESUS forgives and restores. Always remember that! It is Satan that tries to make you believe that you are unworthy. It is CHRIST WHO wants us to be HIS witness to a lost world. Look at Peter. He goes on to become the solid rock that JESUS saw in him. Don’t let Satan rob you of the joy of serving CHRIST.

Summary:

As GOD’S children we are called to remember. The Israelites remembered being delivered from Egyptian slavery by celebrating the Passover. Abraham built alters at strategic points along his journey to remember certain attributes about GOD. In Joshua 4:1-7, THE LORD gives Joshua specific instructions about choosing twelve (12) stones, stones of remembrance, to remind the people that GOD brought them to the land.

CHRIST asks all believers to remember what HE has done for them by celebrating THE LORDS’ Supper. By accepting HIM as SAVIOR we are set free from sin and death and the gifts of grace, righteousness and eternal life have been imputed to us.

The symbols of remembrance are not to keep us in the past but are there to remind us of GOD’S care so that we will continue to press forward. When we remember GOD’S faithfulness in the past, it reassures us to be faithful as we continue along life’s journey.
Scripture addendum to the lesson:
Suffering and Service – Request is made to sit on JESUS’ left and right hands in HIS kingdom.
Matthew 20:20-28:

20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons (James and John) approached Him with her sons. She knelt down to ask Him for something. 21 “What do you want?” He asked her. “Promise,”[14] Lit Say she said to Him, “that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right and the other on Your left, in Your kingdom.” 22 But Jesus answered, “You don’t know what you’re asking. Are you able to drink the cup[15] Figurative language referring to His coming suffering; Mt 26:39; Jn 18:11 that I am about to drink?”[16] Other mss add and (or) to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with “We are able,” they said to Him. 23 He told them, “You will indeed drink My cup.[17] Other mss add and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with But to sit at My right and left is not Mine to give; instead, it belongs to those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.” 24 When the 10 [disciples]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. heard this, they became indignant with the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them over and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and the men of high position exercise power over them. 26 It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many.”

Possessions and the Kingdom – Peter questions what is in it for them for following JESUS?
Matthew 19:23-30:

23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “• I assure you: It will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven! 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were utterly astonished and asked, “Then who can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter responded to Him, “Look, we have left everything and followed You. So what will there be for us?” 28 Jesus said to them, “I assure you: In the Messianic Age,[11] Lit the regeneration when the • Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses, brothers or sisters, father or mother,[12] Other mss add or wife children, or fields because of My name will receive 100 times more and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

Peter’s Confession of the Messiah.
Matthew 16:13-19:
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi,[6] A town north of Galilee at the base of Mount Hermon He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the • Son of Man is?”[7] Other mss read that I, the Son of Man, am 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But you,” He asked them, “who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the • Messiah, the Son of the living God!” 17 And Jesus responded, “Simon son of Jonah,[8] Or son of John you are blessed because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter,[9] Peter (Gk Petros) = a specific stone or rock and on this rock[10] Rock (Gk petra) = a rocky crag or bedrock I will build My church, and the forces[11] Lit gates of • Hades will not overpower it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth is already bound[12] Or earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth is already loosed[13] Or earth will be loosed in heaven.”