To share a meal with someone was to have a real relationship with them.
(Tim Keller)
Jesus showed the disciples, through the Last Supper, that they were family, bound by a deeper blood than biological blood. And He invites us to this meal as well, to take Him in, and have a real relationship with Him. Each communion points to a day when we will feast with Him face to face, and with one another, for indeed, we are family.
I couldn’t find a depiction of The Last Supper that I loved — it’s always impossible to portray Jesus — but we also know they were reclining, and depictions of that seemed strange. So, in truth, I’m not sure what it looked like except that I know it was intimate, sad, and His parting scene with those he deeply loved. Something happens over a meal that binds us — and He gave them hope — that there was going to be another meal together. Somewhere. Someday.
Sometimes I have close sisters in Christ over for an evening. We share a meal, our hearts, our praise, our longings. Just before this time of sheltering began, I had six “sisters” over, representing five different decades of life. We snuggled together on sofas, praying, laughing, loving. We left, buoyed up by the blessed tie that binds. What is that tie? It is the Spirit of the Living God, who raised Jesus from the dead, and lives in us, making us His, and therefore brothers and sisters with one another.
Now, during Covid 19, we fellowship through zoom, or here! I cherish each one of you. May we help one another come to a deeper understanding of communion and the family it represents.
Highlights from Last Week
Thank you for your grace to me as we dove into such a challenging eschatological passage, without help from Keller! (My heart sank when I saw he had leapfrogged over it!) I so appreciated your digging in with me. Eschatology (the study of end times) is so challenging for me, and there are so many strong and different interpretations from people who truly love the Lord, even within Reformed theology. I shared my hesitation with you last week, yet I felt that in going through Mark, we should cover that chapter as well, and it was good to do it together. What Sharon wrote meant a lot to me: “I appreciate this being a “safe” place, even when different opinions surface about eschatology, election and other “hard” subjects.” I admit I’m happy to get to this week and “The Feast” for what is most important for us to understand is that Jesus is coming back, we must be ready, and He has prepared for us a wedding feast, a “marriage,” and a place for us that is beyond our wildest imaginations in His Father’s house. We will be together as family!
Another highlight from last week that goes so well with our theme this week comes from Chris, who gave a link to an article I’d love you to read and comment on. Chris wrote:
I have to keep warming myself at that fire because I am prone to wander. Thank you, Dee, and my blog sisters for keeping this place as a sure and steady blaze. Another thing I thought of while pondering this was one of the plenary sessions at a Christian Counseling and Education Foundation conference was by Alasdair Groves, it had such an impact on me. He posited that the ‘treasure in heaven’ we were storing up was the ways we invest in one another. It had such an impact on me. As an introvert committed too often to my own comfort, I can have the tendency to avoid people while simultaneously desiring deep relationships. This teaching helps me be more intentional about my interactions with others, people who are treasures of Christ. He turned the message of the session into a blog post. Here is the link if you would like to read it:
https://www.ccef.org/treasuring-others/
Sunday
- What stands out to you from the above and why? If you read the article Chris suggested, what stood out?
- In what ways might the blood of the lamb be a closer bond than the blood of biology?
Monday: What Happened “Before The Feast”
The disciples did not understand what Jesus meant when He said He was headed to Jerusalem to die. But there was one who seemed to understand, and I like to think she ministered to Him as He faced His agony.
3. Read Mark 14:1-11
A. What were the chief priests and teachers of the law endeavoring to
do, and why did they hope to do it before Passover?
B. Describe what Mary of Bethany did, finding all the details you can. (A
fuller account is in John 11.)
C. Why was she rebuked, and how did Jesus defend her?
D. How might Mary have been dying to any possible idol of:
- Affirmation/Approval
- Comfort/Security
- Control/Power
E. How do you see the “expulsive power of a new affection” working in Mary? How does that work in you? (Be specific.)
F. Keller writes in this chapter: “All real life-changing love is substitutionary sacrifice.” What does he mean? How do you see this in Mary?
G. Pray for yourself to have this kind of love.
H. What happened at the end of this account? (verses 10-11) What idol do you think motivated Judas?
Tuesday: The Lamb of Passover
4. Read Mark 14:12-16
A. What do the disciples ask?
B. How does Jesus tell them to find “His” room?
C. How do you think this impacted the disciples when it happened?
5. Read Mark 14:17-21
A. What does Jesus tell them, and how do they react?
B. What did each ask Him? Why, do you think?
C. What does He say about the one who will betray Him?
5. Read the first two pages of “The Feast” in Keller’s book, stopping after Mark 14:12-16 is printed. Share your notes and comments.
Wednesday: The Bread and The Wine
6. Read first in Keller’s book, following where Mark 14:12-16 is printed to the headed “The Main Course.” Share your notes and comments.
7. Read Mark 14:22-26
A. Instead of saying, as was said in Passover, “This is the bread of our
affliction, ” what does Jesus say, and how was this the bread of His
affliction?
B. When Jesus says, “This is the blood of the covenant,” what is He
saying? How will this blood bring us into the feast of the King?
C. When you take communion, what do you want to remember from
this that will make communion more meaningful to you?
8. Read Mark 14:27-31 and summarize what happens here.
9. What does the above and tell us about our hearts? How could you pray
for yourself here?
Thursday: The Main Course
10. Read the section called “The Main Course” in Keller’s book and share your notes and comments.
Friday: The Last Course
11. Read this last section in the chapter “The Feast” and share your notes and comments.
12. How can you “take in and digest Christ?”
13. Keller closes this chapter with a quotation from Alec Motyer. How does this show that those in the Old Testament were saved by faith, as are we?
Saturday:
14. What is your take-a-way this week and why?
116 comments
Sunday
What stands out to you from the above and why? If you read the article Chris suggested, what stood out?
My heart jumped when I saw the depiction of the Last Supper. The expressions on the faces of the disciples were heart rending-sad, confused although all intently listening. And the fact that Jesus was in the center makes me think of the intentionality of making him so when gathering with others. his love for us binds us together and He is our only hope.
Being able to participate in a virtual celebration of Mom’s life during the services and her burial, I was touched by the fellowship of my Filipino brothers and sisters. Most of those who were able to come were relatives but there were friends as well. They took the chance to come despite the Covid threat practicing social distancing amidst the grief I saw in their faces. When family and a few friends later gathered for a meal, I saw laughter and happiness as they shared their reflection of Mom’s life and their joy of knowing that she is with the Lord.
The lone man by the door was the saddest to me interpreting it as that of Judas leaving to betray Jesus. Would it mean that we should always value the fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ to keep us from being mastered by the world?
I read the article that Chris shared with us yesterday. I never have thought of treasuring others as treasuring what God treasures based on Ephesians 1:18 “Our brothers and sisters in Christ are one of our heavenly treasures!”
And we are called “to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. So we invest in them. It is an opportunity, not a chore. Not to lose sight of our calling whatever it might be as a parent, and to people we meet each day-seeing connections as a foretaste of heaven and …no act of love is lost.”
I love the section on making it personal:
1. Prayer is a way to pour spiritual riches into another person’s life
2. Encouraging others “provides motivation to press deeper into the good work God is already doing.
3. Confession of sin-to taste and see that the mercy of God is good.
Oh Bing – -what a great way to start off our week. Your mother must have been such a wonderful woman to elicit the response she has to her passing. You have such a wonderful heritage.
Bing ~
Loved how your mama’s friends came together out of love even in this time of physical distancing. Grateful for the technology that allowed you to “be there” as well. May you know His sure and deep comfort as waves of grief come.
Bing, I am so sorry that you couldn’t be with your people to grieve your mom together, grateful though that the virtual world gave you a way to be there though not physically.
The centering on Christ when we gather, I love to ponder that!
I love too that Alisdair’s message resonated with you too.
Bing, so glad you were able to be a part, even though you are far away. What a blessing technology can be when we need it. Prayers continue for you and your family.
Bing, so thankful for the technology that allowed you to be a part of your mom’s service and to hear what she meant to all of her family and friends who were there.
Bing, I am so glad you could be there virtually with you relatives. So sweet. Love and hugs.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? If you read the article Chris suggested, what stood out?
Thank you for suggesting this article, Chris. People are the treasure ~ Some things that stood out:
~ “There is an enormous power in the realization that every person that becomes more like Christ in even the slightest way because of you, will be part of your treasure in heaven.”
~ “When your brother or sister are your treasure, no act of love is lost. Indeed, you will surely not loose your reward, for your reward is the very brother or sister you are serving.”
~ “Confession (of my sin) augments the riches of God’s inheritance in another person listening to you because every time you confess your sin to a brother or sisters, you give them a front row seat to the power of the gospel.”
Grateful for the safe place that this blog has been since I stumbled on to it six years ago. Sara Grove’s song “Blessed Be the Tie” best describes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcYFtihSg_8
You and I share love for the same musical artists, Nila.
Nila, when I read your comment from the article: “There is an enormous power in the realization that every person that becomes more like Christ in even the slightest way because of you, will be part of your treasure in heaven.” I thought of this:
“It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All-day long we are, in some degree helping each other to one or the other of these destinations. It is in the light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all of our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics. There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations – these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit – immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.”
― C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory
Chris ~ Thank you for this C.S. Lewis quote. It is such a needed reminder. (I use to teach literature courses based on the life and writings of C.S. Lewis. When our little girl died so unexpectedly, our Christian pediatrician gave me Lewis’s book “A Grief Observed” and it felt like Lewis helped me walk through some of the early dark days. He is someone I want to sit down and have tea with in that “better country”. )
Oh, Nila!
I also read “A Grief Observed” when I was in the pit. I appreciated how real and raw Lewis was in recording his experience. It is so helpful to know that you are not the only one who feels those desperate things.
The book that had a real impact on me is “A Grace Disguised; How a Soul Grows Through Loss” by Jerry Sittser a man who lost his mother, his wife, and his young daughter all at once in a car accident, he was driving when they were hit by a drunk driver.
It was the most helpful book I read during my grief.
Sunday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? If you read the article Chris suggested, what stood out?
The article that Chris shared…I have read it many times…something I never thought about.
I had a twinge of jealousy when reading of your sisters coming over and having a sweet time of fellowship…I long for that but being an introvert holds me back. We went to a drive by birthday party yesterday and I rather enjoyed it. It was nice not to have to carry on shallow conversations. I long for that sister in Christ to have deep conversations with, spend time in prayer with but I have to reach out, which is so hard.
2. In what ways might the blood of the lamb be a closer bond than the blood of biology?
If I understand this question correctly, I have had friends who were Christians that I was closer to than I will ever be with my sister. I love my sister so much but I can’t talk to her about the things of Christ. I can’t share a scripture with her and tell her I’m praying for her without her saying I don’t want to hear that. If we had a bond of the blood of the lamb, she’d be my closest friend.
Oh Sharon — I too have a biological sister who rejects Christ. We can pray for one another’s sisters!
I’m having trouble with my computer (and my crazy life) so I’m not sure I can post much this week, but still want to follow here. Thanks, Chris, for the article. I’m slowly reading and pondering.
What stands out to you from the above and why? If you read the article Chris suggested, what stood out?
The images of sharing a meal together, Jesus and the disciples, you and your friends Dee, and then all of us together at the marriage supper of the Lamb. I suppose this time of separation has made those pictures more poignant. I long for that marriage supper, when the dividing walls of hostility between us all are totally gone, can you even imagine!
I look forward to what we will study this week that will make communion even more meaningful. I love that the CCEF link resonated with you.
In what ways might the blood of the lamb be a closer bond than the blood of biology?
I remember a friend, we were part of a Mom’s in Touch group together, whose family were actively against her in so many ways. She was lamenting about it and acknowledged that she would keep praying for their hearts to change but we were more her real family than they were. It made an impact on me, it was so sad and yet hopeful too. That even when circumstances might make a believer feel like they have no family, it is never truly the case.
Oh and I agree with Sharon about this being a safe place to be real…I am so grateful!
I love the resources you bring from CCEF!
When I was asked to do a curriculum for prison I assumed we would start with a gospel, but I was directed to do Ruth because the women needed to say good-bye to their dysfunctional families in Moab and bond to their spiritual families in Bethlehem.
2. In what ways might the blood of the lamb be a closer bond than the blood of biology?
I have not been able to substantiate this but I have heard it said that the saying “blood is thicker than water” means that our bond by the blood of Christ is stronger than our bond as siblings and biological family. That the blood here refers to the blood of Christ. And that the water refers to the water that surrounds the fetus and is released at birth. I have two biological sisters. One is a believer and so we have a beautiful double-bond. We pray for our youngest sister to know how God loves her.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? If you read the article Chris suggested, what stood out?
It‘s funny, I haven’t ever really thought too much about the “end times.” I am a very “live in the moment person” and always have been. I suppose I should change that though considering how important it is for me to know these things.
2 In what ways might the blood of the lamb be a closer bond than the blood of biology? Well, technically aren’t we all related with respect to God? Adam and Eve were the only humans so everyone really came out of their marriage, right? But, I know what you are saying here…sometimes we may be blood related but struggle in relationships within our families. Christ is with us always, we are His. The only struggle would be us not allowing Him inside.
Good question, Laura. We are all creations of God, and yes, related to Adam and Eve, highlighting our sin nature. But the only ones in the family of God are those who have been adopted by Him through receiving Christ and what He did on the cross. Those are our blood relatives in a spiritual sense.
Ahh yes, Dee…John 1 ♥️
I frankly have struggled with my expectations of friends and family. Over the years I have given so much to so many that I have gotten burnt out, and have sheltered myself totally withdrawing at times so I can regroup. The burden of my empathy is deep, and early on as a young Christian I learned to give those burdens to Him which I am so thankful for. I also realize that it is better to love people at a distance when you have the problem of expecting too much.
I am trying to find a balance here, and come to terms of the deep intimacy I crave, and rarely find. I do need to protect my hurting heart, and be less intimate. As I have gotten older (64), I spend most of my time with my retired husband, my adult children, growing number of grandchildren, and my siblings. I have reconnected with old friends. All of this has happened after losing my father four years ago. I am yearning for my roots.
My friends wonder why I have separated myself so. I tell them I love them, but I am the one who has changed. Older friends understand where I am. I have learned to lean on the Lord more and more, and to not expect so much from others while distancing myself. I don’t have the need to just socialize and chit chat. I long for depth. Time is short, and I want to spend it drawing closer to Him and my loved ones in my circle. I am more realistic now, and cautious, a bit sad as well, however I do believe it’s for my own good as well as others.
Stephanie, thank you for making me think. I am 56 and sometimes wonder if I have isolated myself or maybe it’s that people don’t want deep relationships, just superficial ones? I spend most of my time also with my family. I only have a couple of close friends and we don’t even talk that much (they live in other states). My mom used to say if you have 1 good friend then that is rich. She was a wise woman.
Thank you for sharing Laura. I have been doing much soul searching on this. When the intro to this week talked about deep relationships I felt I had to express myself. It’s good to know I was not the only one that felt this way. Blessings!
Sunday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? If you read the article Chris suggested, what stood out? – I love knowing that we have hope in Jesus and that we will be eating with him again. As I looked at the picture of the Last Supper, my eye want right to the man standing at the window. Could this be Judas? Already knowing he is out of synch with the rest of the family? If it is, is he letting everyone know that it is he that will betray Jesus? I love getting together with my friends as well and it has been hard to be apart from them. I was a bit discouraged since I loaded zoom and had set up our Life Group to meet and the fist meeting was only one person. How could the rest of them not be there, they couldn’t go anywhere. I was so ready to call our Pastor and tell him I’m done. But yesterday we had a better group, thank you Jesus for hearing my weary cries. I look forward to coming here and ‘seeing’ all of you. Looking forward to our supper together this week. I need to go back and read the article Chris posted.
2. In what ways might the blood of the lamb be a closer bond than the blood of biology? – The blood of biology can fail us, it is not always unconditional and may not always be there for you. The blood of the lamb is our provider, our hope, our comfort, our strength. It is so much more than we can ever imagine. I can rest easier knowing I have a part of the blood of the lamb.
Julie, I am sorry about your lack of participation with the Zoom group study. I also get easily discouraged when others aren’t so enthused about joining, but people are sometimes intimidated with technology?
Yes, Zoom isn’t for everyone, but familiarity with it is growing. I understand your disappointment, Julie.
Don’t feel bad Julie, my students won’t come on zoom either. Some teachers have had more success, but I’m not sure why that is. I have encouraged but it hasn’t gotten better over the last month. I’m glad it improved for your second meeting and hopefully everyone will be there next time!
3. Read Mark 14:1-11
A. What were the chief priests and teachers of the law endeavoring to do, and why did they hope to do it before Passover? – They wanted to find a way to discreetly arrest and kill Jesus but they didn’t want a riot so they waited for a better time to do it.
B. Describe what Mary of Bethany did, finding all the details you can. (A fuller account is in John 11.) – In John 12 Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume and poured it over Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. In Mark it mentions she brought an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume over his head. In both accounts those present were upset that she wasted all of that where it could have been sold and the money given to the poor. Jesus told them to leave her alone that she was doing a good thing.
C. Why was she rebuked, and how did Jesus defend her? – they rebuked her because they felt she was wasting it and it could have been sold for a lot of money and given to the poor. But Judas Iscariot wasn’t really worried about the poor, he wanted some of the moeny for himself as he took money from them. Jesus told them to stop because she was doing a good thing, getting him ready for his death and burial.
D. How might Mary have been dying to any possible idol of:
Affirmation/Approval – If Mary wasn’t doing it from her heart, she could have just wanted to look good in front of everyone and for Jesus to recognize what she was doing in front of everyone.
Comfort/Security – I’m not quite sure on this one. She understood what was going to happen to Jesus, was she that secure in her relationship with him that she just wasn’t afraid of her actions?
Control/Power – She could have wanted to look better then all the other that were present and make them feel inferior to her because she took an expense perfume and poured it over Jesus and wiped it off with her hair.
E. How do you see the “expulsive power of a new affection” working in Mary? How does that work in you? (Be specific.) – Was it because she was so excited to be able to do be with Jesus and prepare him for his upcoming death and burial that she had what was needed to prepare him. I hope I can be as excited when I see Jesus and not be past out laying on the floor from being in His presence. I want to be able to experience all of His glory.
F. Keller writes in this chapter: “All real life-changing love is substitutionary sacrifice.” What does he mean? How do you see this in Mary? – I think, just giving up everything you could possilby have for someone else. You don’t care what you have to do or give away because the person you love is more important than the stuff you have. Mary gave up expensive perfume. She could have sold it and helped herself financially but she didn’t care about the worth of the perfume, her love for Jesus was worth more than any money that perfume would have been sold for.
G. Pray for yourself to have this kind of love. – Lord, help me to be so awake to helping and loving others that I will do and give what ever is needed. Help me to not hold on to my stuff. For a moment it may be comforting but in the end it will mean nothing. I want to always love like you love Lord, though I know my heart and mind need to be cleansed before that will happen. Help me get to this point Lord so when I do give out of pure love, my heart will be pure also and any empty spots will be filled with your love to replenish me each time. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
H. What happened at the end of this account? (verses 10-11) What idol do you think motivated Judas? – Judas went to the chief priests to let them know that he will be a part of their scheme to arrest and kill Jesus. His greed for more, his lust for money filled him up and took the place of any love that he had for Jesus. It overpowered him and he could not control them.
Monday
3. Read Mark 14:1-11
A. What were the chief priests and teachers of the law endeavoring to do, and why did they hope to do it before Passover?
Secretly capture Jesus and kill Him. They hoped to do it before the Passover as they worried about the people rioting.
B. Describe what Mary of Bethany did, finding all the details you can. (A fuller account is in John 11.)
In John 11:2 it gives account that it was Mary of Bethany who poured the expensive perfume on the Lord’s feet and wiped them with her hair. In John 12 while Jesus was eating with Lazarus, Mary took a 12 ounce jar of expensive perfume made from the essence of nard, anointed the feet of Jesus with it. wiping His feet with her hair. The fragrance filled the house. In Mark it says that while Jesus was eating a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from the essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over His head.
C. Why was she rebuked, and how did Jesus defend her?
She was rebuked because it was looked at as being wasteful and it could of been sold for a years wages and the money given to the poor.
He said, they would always have the poor among them, but would not always have Him. She has anointed My body for burial ahead of time. He went on to say that her deed will always be remembered wherever the Good News is preached.
D. How might Mary have been dying to any possible idol of:
Affirmation/Approval: She wasn’t looking for any approval from man as her focus was on Jesus.
Comfort/Security: She freely gave up what could of given her comfort and security in this world.
Control/Power: She could of used the possession of the perfume to influence others to her will.
(I know this goes so much deeper, but I’m still trying to grasp this.)
Great observations on idols. They do tend to overlap.
Dee,
I heard your welcoming voice on the news podcast today for The World and Everything in It ! What a nice surprise!
What a wonderful source of world news this 30 minute weekday podcast is. From a Christian World View and always with an element of hope.
Truthful reporting with integrity
It’s about the only news I listen to for I am so skeptical of most!
Could someone give me more information on The World And Everything in it? How can I check it out?
It looks like it’s an apple podcast Diane. You would need to get to the podcasts “store” app and subscribe. That is with an iPhone. Not sure how podcasts work on android products. I also don’t know if it’s free or if there is a subscription fee. Dee, does it cost to subscribe?
No fees on an iPhone. 😊
You May also go to https://world.wng.org/
to read quality news, but you won’t hear Dee’s beautiful voice.
Thanks, Laura and Simmchris, I’ll check out the website. I don’t have an iphone.
3. Read Mark 14:1-11
A. What were the chief priests and teachers of the law endeavoring to do, and why did they hope to do it before Passover?
They were plotting to capture and kill Jesus. They wanted it over with but they didn’t want the people to riot.
B. Describe what Mary of Bethany did, finding all the details you can. (A fuller account is in John 11.)
Mary took an expensive jar of perfume and poured it over Jesus’ head. She “anointed”
C. Why was she rebuked, and how did Jesus defend her?
She was scolded (I wondered by the line “…by some of those at the table…” just who those people were? Presumably family members I suppose?) because the perfume cost so much and they believed she wasted it.
D. How might Mary have been dying to any possible idol of:
Affirmation/Approval
Comfort/Security
Control/Power
Maybe she was dying to affirmation/approval? She didn’t care what the others thought, she just knew she needed to do this for Jesus? Maybe control of her life; she was putting her life in God’s hands? Maybe she was giving up her comforts by using the oil; her security of knowing she had the money (of the oil) if she needed it? Instead she was going to rely on Him from that point forward? Yep, I’m going to choose that one. Talked myself right into the correct answer hahaha!
E. How do you see the “expulsive power of a new affection” working in Mary? How does that work in you? (Be specific.)
Hmmm, since I am not so familiar with that phrase I hope I am understanding it right.
My husband and I have been watching “The Chosen.” I really love it! Dee, like you said, Jesus is so real. I can’t wait to see this story played out.
She took her eyes off of herself and put them on Him?
I guess when you are hyper focused on something (life), if you change your “affection” then the focus goes elsewhere. My husband and I have been discussing this lately. We tend to get caught up in our days of grueling work (teaching from home is consuming, trust me) and forget that our “affection” is misplaced. Even though I desire to complete my bible studies mostly, I am called in a different direction and then before you know it it God is forgotten in my day. What you focus on becomes the thing that “powers” you. Mary focused on Jesus. That was a powerful thing to do in her life.
F. Keller writes in this chapter: “All real life-changing love is substitutionary sacrifice.” What does he mean? How do you see this in Mary?
I suppose he means that to know love you need to sacrifice yourself to that person? Mary loves Jesus. She sacrifices her most prized (?) possession for Him. Now she has that (His) love within herself.
G. Pray for yourself to have this kind of love.
Oh Lord, thank You for the stories of those close to You so we can learn Your ways. Help us to give ourselves freely to others so we can feel the sort of love that Mary felt to You. Lord, my us and is struggling so much with this whole idea right now. Help him to know this idea in his heart so he can be set free from the prison he has made inside himself. Thank You Lord. Your ways are best for us. Amen.
H. What happened at the end of this account? (verses 10-11) What idol do you think motivated Judas?
In the next 2 scriptures Judas agrees to betray Christ to the leaders. He wanted comfort/security in the money he would get if he followed through in this dirty deed.
Glad you like The Chosen, Laura. Not all do, but I think it has strengths.
Expulsive power of a new affection. Idols cannot be removed, only replaced. We can’t just “stop it” we need to trust God to meet our deep need.
I watched all of the Chosen and can’t wait for season two. I think it is very well done, more understandable then others.
Thank you for this definition. I never knew idols could not be removed, only replaced with a new affection. This helps.
So one way I have seen this in my marriage, is when I used to place expectations on my husband to meet needs for me and he would fail. I learned that my husband is a flawed human and it was wrong of me to expect him to meet all my needs. I needed to seek the Lord to meet all my needs. Not my husband.
Chris — that understanding will so change your marriage. That’s a perfect illustration.
Dee, I posted but when I went to edit my a, b, and c so they wouldn’t run together, it said it won’t post because it is marked as spam. Yikes! Could you look in your spam folder for my comment, if you have time, if not that is alright. Looking forward to today at 1pm!! I am going to take my lunch then so I can listen. Praying for you!
I looked Rebecca but there was nothing there. So sorry! You were sweet to take your lunch hour to listen.
D. How might Mary have been dying to any possible idol of:
1. Affirmation/Approval
2. Comfort/Security
3. Control/Power
I can see that she risked the disapproval of others by anointing Jesus. It was a humble risky thing to do. She was showing her love for Jesus in a way that would not be approved of by others.
She also risked stepping out of her comfortable and expected role as a female – a server meant to be in the background.
E. How do you see the “expulsive power of a new affection” working in Mary? How does that work in you? (Be specific.)
I am aware of countless times that I have felt a stirring to step out of my comfortable, expected role to respond to Jesus. Many times I have failed to step out because of my idols of affirmation, comfort or wanting to stay in control. But one time I remember that I specifically did was to respond to the call to ministry with Aubrey, whatever the cost. I remember the almost overpowering pull to NOT respond. But there was a deeper pull to respond in spite of all my fears and doubts. I had to not just say I believed in Jesus, but live out my beliefs.
F. Keller writes in this chapter: “All real life-changing love is substitutionary sacrifice.” What does he mean? How do you see this in Mary?
By anointing Jesus, there is a way that Mary was dying to herself. She seemed to hear Jesus speak of his death and understood it in a way that the disciples did not.
She died to her pride in anointing and kissing his feet and wiping them with her hair. I’m guessing that most women in those days would normally have their hair either nicely coiffed or neatly pulled back. Her hair was let down in a most shocking way, like a prostitute or poor woman might. She died to her comfort in giving up this expensive perfume for herself.
G. Pray for yourself to have this kind of love.
I like my comfort and my quiet, Lord. I like to have my own way. Help me to listen to your call and step out of my comfort and control. Help me to risk. Help me to remember that, even if I step off the cliff of my control, that underneath are the Everlasting Arms. Help me to die to self, for your sake.
H. What happened at the end of this account? (verses 10-11) What idol do you think motivated Judas?
Judas’ idol was probably power. Money gave him power. Also, I think that his betraying Jesus shortly after this was partly motivated by the persuasive power of money. Maybe he had thought that Jesus would come as an earthly ruler and then Judas would be in a position of power. When it became evident to Judas that Jesus was not going to do that, Judas didn’t like Jesus anymore and saw Jesus only as a means to get some more money and be done with it. Part of me is surprised that Judas repented at all and didn’t just take off with the money and run.
Interesting thoughts on Judas. Has me pondering.
Diane, me too!
I never thought of this perspective before, but it must be true that Judas had motive at first to be Jesus disciple and later came to a place where he didn’t like him anymore. This always puzzled me, that Judas could turn from his teacher.
Well, not every student likes me either! Hahaha….
Monday
E. How do you see the “expulsive power of a new affection” working in Mary? How does that work in you? (Be specific.)
I think Mary is realizing that the things of this world…possessions, comfort, approval (idols) etc. are affections that can only be replaced by her Lord, her new affection. Only He can truly satisfy.
My idol of approval is deeply engrained within me. Seeing it as loving the things of the world more than I love Him is causing me to realize that I just can’t stop wanting approval and not replace it. It needs to be replaced with my affection for the Lord…knowing that all I need is His approval. And that at times may mean, not doing or saying the popular or politically correct thing. My life belongs to Him and what He thinks is most important.
F. Keller writes in this chapter: “All real life-changing love is substitutionary sacrifice.” What does he mean? How do you see this in Mary?
I think he’s saying that life-changing love is sacrificially replacing your will with His will.
Mary is giving up/sacrificing her prized possession, to prepare Jesus for His burial…she got it…she put aside her will and bowed down to His.
G. Pray for yourself to have this kind of love.
H. What happened at the end of this account? (verses 10-11) What idol do you think motivated Judas?
Judas Iscariot went to the leading priest to make arrangements in betraying Jesus to them. They were delighted to see him and promised him money. Then Judas Iscariot stared looking for opportunities to betray Jesus.
Comfort/security
1. The article, Treasuring others , is a wonderful reminder of the second greatest commandment: to love others as you love yourself.
Why this matters is what stands out! For those I love and encourage will be a delight in 10 thousand years! Yes, how much my encouragement and patience with others matters. First he says that prayer is a way to pour spiritual riches into another person’s life. Then encouragement helps and provides motivation to press deeper into the work God is already doing. And here is the surprising note, confession of sin builds treasure in others because it shows them the power of the gospel! Wow, this is great because others will taste and see that the mercy of the Lord is good. I had never thought of this aspect.
2. In what ways might the blood of the lamb be a closer bond than the blood of biology? Well, there is real understanding of our hearts. There is no comparison of what the world’s goals are- for instance, the successes or accomplishments that people value(which are our idols).
I can be open about God’s forgiveness of my sinful ways with a fellow Christian, but I may try to cover up my weaknesses to a friend who is not a Christian…because of my concern about being judged less than perfect-Ha!
You made me smile. I’ve actually found confessing my weaknesses to a non-Christian softens their hearts and opens them up to the truth.
I must remember this, to soften their heart,yes!
I probably do just the opposite, feeling that a Christian would judge me more harshly, however, our sisters in Christ should be more understanding when we fail. Aren’t we often quick to judge though? Like Mary was about the perfume- I wonder if she expected the opposition she received or if that caught her off guard, thinking the disciples should understand her position?
Interesting thought about Mary, Chris. I’m glad you are here with us!
4. Read Mark 14:12-16
A. What do the disciples ask?
The disciples ask where they should prepare the Passover meal for Him.
B. How does Jesus tell them to find “His” room?
He gives directions. It was kind of humorous to read “…follow this man carrying water into a house (!) and tell him the “Teacher” asks where the guest room is to eat the meal with His disciples.” Jesus says to follow the man upstairs to find a room that is already set up.
C. How do you think this impacted the disciples when it happened?
Well, I would be hesitant to stop someone I don’t know and start talking about this. Also, it would feel strange to just enter someone’s home like that! I’m guessing they were hesitant as well?
5. Read Mark 14:17-21
A. What does Jesus tell them, and how do they react?
He tells the disciples that one of them will betray Him. They are distressed and beg Him to tell who it is.
B. What did each ask Him? Why, do you think?
Each asked, “Am I the one?” Probably because they didn’t want to be the one and would do anything they could to not harm Him. If they knew then they could potentially prevent the series of events happening.
C. What does He say about the one who will betray Him?
The person was “…eating from the same bowl as He.”
The events must happen as scripture declared.
That it would be terrible for the person. They should wish they had never been born.
3. Read Mark 14:1-11
A. What were the chief priests and teachers of the law endeavoring to do, and why did they hope to do it before Passover?
To capture and kill Jesus. They didn’t want to upset people so they wanted to do it before the passover.
B. Describe what Mary of Bethany did, finding all the details you can. (Afuller account is in John 11.)
She broke a jar of expensive perfume-worth enough for a year’s wages-and poured it over Jesus’ head.
C. Why was she rebuked, and how did Jesus defend her?
He told them to leave her alone and said what she did to Him was beautiful.
D. How might Mary have been dying to any possible idol of:
Affirmation/Approval: She loved Him more than their approval of her. She knew they wouldn’t approve.
Comfort/Security: She gave up what could have been a year’s wages
Control/Power: The whole scene was her giving up control for she desired Him so much that she gave up everything to have Him.
You do understand idolatry, Rebecca!
Dee, perhaps from too much experience than I would like to have? 🙁
Oh, Rebecca. 🙂 We all have them, only some see them!
E. How do you see the “expulsive power of a new affection” working in Mary? How does that work in you? (Be specific.)
I think her affections were all on Jesus for nothing else in the world can compare or is more worthy than Him and nothing is better than being in His presence. She sacrificed all she had in this world-abandoning herself to Him.
Of course when He drew me to Himself and His Spirit came to live inside me-that new love stage when I first came to know Him, but I still have a sin nature that so easily draws my affections away from Jesus and onto someone or something else. So whenever I turn from anything that I pour my affections on more than Jesus it is because He convicts me, and helps me, and draws me to His beauty.
F. Keller writes in this chapter: “All real life-changing love is substitutionary sacrifice.” What does he mean? How do you see this in Mary?
Love is self sacrifice-it is giving up of oneself for another. So when we love-truly love it is always giving up ourselves, our comfort, our security, our control, our rights; even sacrificing what others may disagree with. I think His love is upside down from the world’s view of love.
G. Pray for yourself to have this kind of love.
H. What happened at the end of this account? (verses 10-11) What idol do you think motivated Judas?
Judas betrayed Jesus by going to the chief priests who paid him for it. His idol of Comfort / Security probably motivated him, for he also was the one who stole money from their treasury.
His view of love is upside down from the world’s view- So true.
I called my mom to talk the other day and was so struck by her perspective. Her whole day was frustrated by a malfunctioning coffee pot. I’m so thankful for a perspective that helps me look for God’s beauty even in the midst of frustrating/difficult situations. Not that I can’t get upside down as well and focus on the wrong thing. So, so thankful for scripture to keep us on the right path.
4. B. How does Jesus tell them to find “His” room?
Go into the city and follow a man carrying a jar of water. Ask the master of the house where he goes, “where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”
C. How do you think this impacted the disciples when it happened?
I think they were definitely surprised. I think this was an incident where the master sensed ahead of time that Jesus would be coming, without prior arrangements actually being made. It is not like Jesus could “call ahead” and make reservations.
5. Read Mark 14:17-21
A. What does Jesus tell them, and how do they react?
Jesus said, “One of you will betray me.” They were sorrowful.
B. What did each ask Him? Why, do you think?
They asked, “Is it I?” I think they did this because they were beginning to understand that their hearts were deceitful. They were beginning to understand that they were weak. On the other hand, it might have been because they still could not conceive of such a thing.
C. What does He say about the one who will betray Him?
Jesus says that one dipping bread into the dish with me will betray him. “Woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” That is a very harsh condemnation. In John 17:12, Judas is called “the son of destruction”.
We recently had a mass shooting of 23 people in a neighbouring province. We don’t know the details, but it appears that the man was obsessed with guns and police vehicles and uniforms. When triggered by a fight with his girlfriend he went on a multiple hour rampage shooting people and burning homes. It is like his fury consumed him. So sad and scary – like he gave himself over to the devil and became a destroyer, willingly killing people for hours. What spiritual condition would lead a person to do this? What would Jesus say about this person?
5. Read the first two pages of “The Feast” in Keller’s book, stopping after Mark 14:12-16 is printed. Share your notes and comments.
“He unsheathed the sword of divine justice. And this justice would fall on everyone. It could not “pass over” the Jews simply because they were Jews… there would be either a dead child or a dead lamb…. You were only saved on the basis of a substitutionary sacrifice.”
I am not sure I fully “get” why God could not just pass over the Jews. Wasn’t it the Egyptians he was punishing? The only thing that makes sense is if the blood of the lamb was to be a “sign” (Exodus 12:13) of the substitutionary sacrifice that was Jesus.
That is so sad about what happened near you, Diane. How dark is darkness when we give ourselves over to it.
I think he couldn’t simply pass over them for they, even though they were victims, were also sinners. Thoughts?
Yes, Dee. Even the Hebrews deserved to be punished by the angel of death because they were also sinners. That they were protected by the blood is pure grace, just as Jesus’ blood is pure grace for us.
7. Read Mark 14:22-26
A. Instead of saying, as was said in Passover, “This is the bread of our affliction,” what does Jesus say, and how was this the bread of His affliction?
“This is my body.” Luke 22:19 says, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Jesus will become that very night the sacrificial lamb that means God will “pass over” the sins of his people.
B. When Jesus says, “This is the blood of the covenant,” what is He saying? How will this blood bring us into the feast of the King?
Luke puts it this way. “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (Lk. 22 20) He is saying that he is the sacrificial lamb whose blood covers our sins for all time. Jesus promises that he will celebrate the feast again with us in the future kingdom of God.
C. When you take communion, what do you want to remember from this that will make communion more meaningful to you?
When we are taking communion, we are looking back at the Passover in Egypt and at how Jesus fulfilled the need for a substitutionary sacrifice. He is the sacrifice. But also, we are looking forward to the Feast in the future kingdom of God, when we are with him forever.
8. Read Mark 14:27-31 and summarize what happens here.
Jesus tells them that they will all desert him. They deny it, Peter most vehemently. But Jesus says Peter will deny him three times before the rooster crows twice (in other words, before morning breaks).
9. What does the above tell us about our hearts? How could you pray for yourself here?
We are weak. There will be a time of great testing and even destruction for God’s people. (See Zechariah 13:7-9 which Jesus is quoting here.) But after our falling, he will gather us again.
We need to call upon the Lord. Zechariah 13:9, “They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’” It concerns me as I see many notes on Facebook about how this pandemic is an opportunity to start afresh. But none of these positive notes about a new beginning mention anything about God or repenting of our sins. Unless we repent and turn to God, we are bound to repeat our sins, or fall into deeper ones. We cannot just make new resolutions and pull ourselves up in our own strength.
3. Read Mark 14:1-11 A. What were the chief priests and teachers of the law endeavoring to do, and why did they hope to do it before Passover?
They were scheming to kill Jesus. They feared the people’s reactions against it so they did not want to do it during the Passover.
B. Describe what Mary of Bethany did, finding all the details you can. (A fuller account is in John 11.)
Mary took a pound of expensive oil of pure nard, and anointed Jesus’ feet and then wiped His feet with her hair. The fragrance filled the house with the scent of the perfume. (John 12)
C. Why was she rebuked, and how did Jesus defend her?
Judas accused her of making an unwise choice, wasting it on Jesus’ feet instead of selling it to give money to the poor. Judas only said this because he was a thief. Jesus rebukes him and defends Mary—she is preparing for His burial, the poor will always be with them, but they will not always have Him.
D. How might Mary have been dying to any possible idol of:
1. Affirmation/Approval-She died to caring what others thought about her choice and actions.
2. Comfort/Security-She gave up sacrificially what could have offered her material security.
3. Control/Power-She humbled herself to the feet of Jesus. She also gave up whatever power owning the oil may have given her over others.
E. How do you see the “expulsive power of a new affection” working in Mary? How does that work in you? (Be specific.)
Mary was pure in heart. She had one love. One focus. Her heart was undivided. This One Love (Jesus) overpowered all the lessor loves (idols) in her heart. She wanted to bless Him, and nothing else mattered. Her love for Jesus was greater than her own reputation or earthly comforts.
F. Keller writes in this chapter: “All real life-changing love is substitutionary sacrifice.” What does he mean? How do you see this in Mary?
Real love of another person, requires I give up, die to, something of myself. My focus has to shift to that other person, their best—instead of trying to preserve myself.
G. Pray for yourself to have this kind of love.
Oh Father, this is hard. Costly love, love when nothing is returned, in the face of pain and rejection. Help me. You are the definition of this sustitutionary sacrificial love. Help me to follow You in this kind of love.
H. What happened at the end of this account? (verses 10-11) What idol do you think motivated Judas?
Judas betrays Jesus. I mostly see an idol of power/control—thinking he could actually have power over Jesus compelled him. Also, we read the chief priests were “delighted”—this fed Judas’ idol of approval.
4. Read Mark 14:12-16 A. What do the disciples ask?
The disciples ask Jesus where to go and make preparations for Him to eat the Passover.
B. How does Jesus tell them to find “His” room?
Jesus tells them to go into the city, where there will be a man carrying a jar of water, and they are to follow him. When he enters a house, the discipleas are to tell the owner ,”The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?” The owner will lead themto a large room upstairs, furnished and ready.
C. How do you think this impacted the disciples when it happened?
This was powerful. Jesus knew what would happen and the plans were laid ahead of Him.
5. Read Mark 14:17-21 A. What does Jesus tell them, and how do they react?
Jesus tells them that one of them will betray Him.
B. What did each ask Him? Why, do you think?
They each ask “Is it I?”. I think they knew their own hearts were prone to sin. They feared what they were capable of.
C. What does He say about the one who will betray Him?
He says “woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”
Lizzy, I like your examples of the idols Mary was giving up….I think you are right.
6. Read first in Keller’s book, following where Mark 14:12-16 is printed to the headed “The Main Course.” Share your notes and comments.
Wow…now that Keeler explains the 4 cups of wine, what Jesus said must have been “wild” to the disciples! If you don’t know the background then when you read it, it is just an “okay” feeling. Now that I know the back story I am like WOWIE-ZOWIE!!
7. Read Mark 14:22-26
A. Instead of saying, as was said in Passover, “This is the bread of our affliction, ” what does Jesus say, and how was this the bread of His affliction?
He says, “…this is My Body.” It means He would ensure the suffering for all.
B. When Jesus says, “This is the blood of the covenant,” what is He saying? How will this blood bring us into the feast of the King?
He says, “…this is the blood of My Body which confirms the covenant between God and His people.”
It’s a new covenant that include us because He says “…for many.”
C. When you take communion, what do you want to remember from this that will make communion more meaningful to you?
I will remember that there was a new covenant established that included me and instead of me having to suffer the sacrifice, Jesus did.
https://youtu.be/-FHwdx5BIvc
Wowie, zowie! We love your enthusiasm.
😊
Tuesday
4. Read Mark 14:12-16
A. What do the disciples ask?
They wanted to know where to go to prepare the Passover meal for Him.
B. How does Jesus tell them to find “His” room?
Go to the city and you’ll see a man carrying a pitcher of water (did men usually carry water pitchers?), follow him and enter the house he goes to. Tell the owner of the house that the Teacher wants to know where the guest room is where He can eat the Passover meal with His disciples.
C. How do you think this impacted the disciples when it happened?
I am impressed with their unquestionable obedience. I think they had to be awestruck…maybe their faith was increased.
5. Read Mark 14:17-21
A. What does Jesus tell them, and how do they react?
He tells them that one of them will betray Him.
They were very sad and deeply grieved.
B. What did each ask Him? Why, do you think?
”Am I the one?”
It’s obvious with this question that none of them suspected Judas, so this must of really surprised them to think that one of them would do this! I’m also thinking it must of surprised Judas that He knew!
C. What does He say about the one who will betray Him?
He’s eating from the same bowl as me.
It will be terrible for him.
It would be better that he’d never been born.
5. Read the first two pages of “The Feast” in Keller’s book, stopping after Mark 14:12-16 is printed. Share your notes and comments.
These statements…”you had to slay a lamb and put the blood on the door as a sign of your faith in God”, and “you were saved only on the basis of faith in a substitutionary sacrifice.” I never thought of the people as having faith when doing this. Being a Bible story from my childhood that was told many times, I was always so glad that they were obedient so their oldest child wouldn’t die…again never thought it was because of their faith in God! But that makes so much sense. They believed that God would do what He said He would do and acted upon it.
The four cups of wine and what they represented …so rich when you know the background and really makes what Jesus said in verses 22-25 much more meaningful.
4. Read Mark 14:12-16
A. What do the disciples ask? – The disciples asked Jesus where they should go to prepare the Passover meal to eat.
B. How does Jesus tell them to find “His” room? – He tells them to go in to the city and a man carryig a jar of water would meet them. When that man goes in to the house, that is the house they should as the owner where the room is for their Teacher to eat the Passover meal with them.
C. How do you think this impacted the disciples when it happened? – my first thought is, it probably didn’t even phase them. They didn’t always get the clues that Jesus was telling them or the signs that he was performing. I would hope they were starting to get sad a little, knowing they would be losing Jesus soon to the religious leaders.
5. Read Mark 14:17-21
A. What does Jesus tell them, and how do they react? – Jessu tells them that one of them will betray him. They were saddened by Jesus’ words.
B. What did each ask Him? Why, do you think? – They all ask him if it is them. Perhaps they know that deep down they really aren’t getting Jesus to the fullest. They still don’t understand what it truly is to follower him so they may not know if they are even following him in the right manner, free of sin and worthy to receive what he has to offer them.
C. What does He say about the one who will betray Him? – He tells them that it is one that dips the bread in to the bowl with him and that it would be better for the one to not have even been born.
5. Read the first two pages of “The Feast” in Keller’s book, stopping after Mark 14:12-16 is printed. Share your notes and comments. – The way Tim Keller puts the description of what had to be sacrificed…”In every home there would either be a dead child or a dead lamb.” This makes it come to life a little more. To know that all you had to do was sacrifice a lamb to find justice, and yet some still did not. What a hard reality to wake up to. Didn’t matter who you were.
3. Mark 14:1-11 The chief priests and scribes were seeking how to arrest Jesus before the Passover , as they did not want an uproar from the people during the feast.
B. Mary of Bethany came to the house of Simon the leper as he was reclining. She had a flask of ointment of pure nard which was very costly and she broke it and poured this over Jesus’ head.
C. She was rebuked because some said that she had wasted expensive ointment that could have been sold and the money given to the poor, so they scolded her. However Jesus defended her saying, she did a beautiful thing, You will always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. She has anointed my body for burial…
D. How might Mary have been dying to an idol? Possibly comfort/security if this ointment would have provided income for her, or approval/disapproval, knowing that she would be criticized but did it out of her deep love for Jesus.
E. The expulsive power of a new affection: I am not sure, though it seems that Mary’s love for Jesus is that of a sacrificial nature, that is she is willing to give up what is valuable to her Savior. I am not sure how that is specifically for me, though I know I have sacrificed for my children and loved ones in the past.
F. Keller says, “All life-changing love is substitutionary sacrifice. Yes, I agree it is costly to really love someone, and that is the key, for if it didn’t cost there would be no test of love.
G. Pray for you to have this kind of love. Heavenly Father, help me to be willing to lay down my life for those I Love. Forgive my selfish ways, and give me courage to risk as I love. Too often I feel like a coward and I want to be bold to do your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen
H. At the end of this passage, Judas went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were glad and promised to give him money. I think Judas’ idol is love of money.
Shirley — there’s a famous essay on the internet called The Expulsive Power of A New Affection by Thomas Chalmers that is insightufl.
thank you, Dee
4. Mark 14:12-16 The Disciples ask Jesus, where do you want us to go to prepare the Passover meal?
B. Jesus tells them to go into the city and see a man carrying a jar of water: follow him. Say to him, the Teacher says, Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?
C. When this happened exactly as Jesus said, they must have been amazed , wondering how it happened exactly! I would have been amazed, yet so far everything does happen this way, as it did with the donkey for the ride into Jerusalem.
5. Mark 14:17-21 A. Jesus tells them that someone will betray him, one who is eating with me. They were sorrowful.
B. Each asked him, is it I? I wonder why each asks because they knew they had no plan to do this, except for the one who did the act. Perhaps they felt some guilt but I am not sure why.
C. Jesus said, “For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Mam is betrayed. It would have been better if he had not been born.”
In the Feast, the history of the Jewish people from Egypt is told of the night when justice would fall on everyone. For justice must be served. The punishment was death for the firstborn in every family. In order to be saved on the basis of faith, a substitutionary sacrifice must be made. The blood of the lamb must be put on the doors as a sign of faith in God. This is how God delivered the Israelites and led them into freedom, into the Promised Land.
5. Read the first two pages of “The Feast” in Keller’s book, stopping after Mark 14:12-16 is printed. Share your notes and comments.
“When justice came down, either it fell on your family or you took shelter under the substitute”.
I imagine being an Israelite with the blood of a lamb smeared across my door, resting in the assurance that the blood would protect me. Passover is such a powerful foreshadowing and yet still hard for me to fully swallow. Still, when I focus on that the Lord provided a way for them to escape His wrath, and how it points to the Day when Christ would save us all from God’s wrath in one final death, the final Substitution, I see the beauty of His mercy.
6. Read first in Keller’s book, following where Mark 14:12-16 is printed to the headed “The Main Course.” Share your notes and comments.
Jesus’ substitutionary sacrifice brings a new covenant between God and man, a relationship based on Jesus’ blood. Jesus promises not to eat or drink until He meets us in the Kingdom because He is unconditionally committed to us.
7. Read Mark 14:22-26 A. Instead of saying, as was said in Passover, “This is the bread of our affliction, ” what does Jesus say, and how was this the bread of His affliction?
Jesus says “this is my Body”. He gives His Body as the Bread of Affliction, and it is His affliction because He takes on the sin of the world. He carries our sin, our affliction, as His own, to the Cross.
B. When Jesus says, “This is the blood of the covenant,” what is He saying? How will this blood bring us into the feast of the King?
The wine symbolizes His blood, poured out as a sacrifice for Believers to bring us into covenant relationship with God.
C. When you take communion, what do you want to remember from this that will make communion more meaningful to you?
Communion calls me to never forget His death. I want to remember His sacrifice, giving His life, personally for me, securing eternal salvation. His atonement means He is transforming me into His image. The Lord’s Supper celebrates Christ’s redeeming purchase price paid for His Bride and points forward to our marriage feast.
Imagining yourself in the scenario is key to why you see so much, Lizzy.
Wednesday
6. Read first in Keller’s book, following where Mark 14:12-16 is printed to the headed “The Main Course.” Share your notes and comments.
The part where he speaks of how they make a covenant is first seen in Genesis 15 where God made His covenant with Abraham. I love how Gods Word all comes together…no coincidence!
7. Read Mark 14:22-26
A. Instead of saying, as was said in Passover, “This is the bread of our affliction, ” what does Jesus say, and how was this the bread of His affliction?
”Take it, for this is my body.”
The bread symbolized His body and the suffering He would shortly be going through on their behalf. Keller says, “the bread of My suffering, because I’m going to lead the ultimate exodus and bring you the ultimate deliverance from bondage.”
B. When Jesus says, “This is the blood of the covenant,” what is He saying? How will this blood bring us into the feast of the King?
His blood that He shed on the cross, brought in a new covenant between God and His people.
He goes on to say, “I tell you the truth, I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new in the kingdom of God. This Keller says is “Jesus promising that He is unconditionally committed to us. I am going to bring you into the Father’s arms. I am going to bring you to the feast of the King.” Jesus will wait to gather all His people and then celebrate the marriage supper of the Lamb. His blood poured out for us is proof of this.
C. When you take communion, what do you want to remember from this that will make communion more meaningful to you?
I have to say what “wowed” Laura! Remembering the third cup of wine and how the elements were blessed by Jesus in comparison to how they blessed them! As Keller says. “Jesus departed from the script.” And also, to remember the ultimate feast that will one day take place…glory, glory!!
8. Read Mark 14:27-31 and summarize what happens here.
On the way to the Mount of Olives Jesus tells them they will all desert Him. After He’s raised from the dead He’ll meet them in Galilee. Peter says he’ll never desert Him and Jesus tells of his denial of Him. Peter emphatically says, even if he has to die he will never deny Him and the others vowed the same.
9. What does the above tell us about our hearts? How could you pray for yourself here?
It tells us that our hearts are deceptive and can’t be trusted. 1 John 3:20b…”for God is greater than our heart and knows all things.”
May I trust in Him will all my heart and lean not on my own understanding.
I too love that insight that Jesus departed from the script!
Wednesday: The Bread and The Wine
6. Read first in Keller’s book, following where Mark 14:12-16 is printed to the headed “The Main Course.” Share your notes and comments. – I loved the description of the Passover meal and how it had to be prepared. That the 4 cups of wine represented the 4 promises of God that he made in Exodus 6.6-7. I did not know this. How easy it is to just read scripture and not see the detail that is in the Word.
7. Read Mark 14:22-26
A. Instead of saying, as was said in Passover, “This is the bread of our affliction, ” what does Jesus say, and how was this the bread of His affliction? – Jesus says to them, “take it, this is my body”. By Jesus saying this, it shows that he is now beginning sin for us that we are released from slavery because of his sacrifice.
B. When Jesus says, “This is the blood of the covenant,” what is He saying? How will this blood bring us into the feast of the King? – That his blood is poured out for us so we can be closer to God and have a spot at the table.
C. When you take communion, what do you want to remember from this that will make communion more meaningful to you? – I really want to remember the huge sacrifice that Jesus made. I need to remember the picture of the blood being poured out for me and how Jesus stood under it so I could be free.
8. Read Mark 14:27-31 and summarize what happens here. – Jesus tells them that when he is struck down they will all fall way and scatter. He told Peter that he would deny him 3 times before the rooster crows. They all insisted that they wouldn’t do that.
9. What does the above and tell us about our hearts? How could you pray for yourself here? – I think there are time I say things because I think I should, or because I think that is what the person would like to hear, but Lord, please help me not be that way. Help me to always speak from my heart to please use and not please others. I don’t want to just speak, I want to speak so others see you through my words. Thank you for always guiding me. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
6. The Main Course: Jesus prepares for the Passover feast: there were 4 cups of wine to represent the promises of first the rescue from Egypt, for freedom from slavery, for redemption by God’s divine power and for a renewed relationship with God. Each of these elements were symbolic, the bread was to represent the bread of affliction that the fathers ate in the wilderness. Then Jesus departs from the script- he speaks of my body, my affliction. Making an oath was like signing a contract. In biblical times this was marked by blood to make the covenant binding.
7. Mark 14:22-26 A. Jesus was saying, ” take it,”( the bread), “this is my body”, meaning my affliction, as I am going to lead the ultimate exodus and bring you the ultimate deliverance from bondage(of sin).
B. Jesus is saying, “this is my blood of the covenant, poured out for many.” Jesus is our substitutionary sacrifice signifying a new covenant between God and us. This is his promise that he will bring us into the kingdom of God.
C. Communion is very meaningful as I reflect on this incredible sacrifice that Jesus paid for me, knowing that I am a part of the Kingdom because of his lovingkindness to lay down his own life.
8. Mark 14:27-31 Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away” for it is written,I will strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered. Peter said, even though they fall away, I will not, but Jesus told him he would deny him 3 times.
9. What does this tell us about our hearts? We want to look good, but we are weak and run in fear when we are tested. Our hearts are deceitful… Prayer, Oh Father, help me in my weakness to focus on your love and your strength to keep me strong and to be your witness as you have called me to be. Forgive me for the times I have failed you and teach me, I pray.
8. Read Mark 14:27-31 and summarize what happens here.
Basically, Jesus tells the disciples that they will abandon Him when put to the test. They can’t believe it.
9. What does the above and tell us about our hearts? How could you pray for yourself here?
We are a flighty sort of being…when push comes to shove we get scared and turn inward to save ourselves.
Jesus, You know our hearts so well. Thank You for being our guide. Help me to remember that no matter what happens, it is You whom I live for, not this world. In You Holy Name. Amen.
Thursday
10. Read the section called “The Main Course” in Keller’s book and share your notes and comments.
I cried as I read about the forest ranger finding a dead bird. petrified, covered in ashes at the bottom of a tree. Sickened by the sight he knocked the bird over with a stick and out came three baby chicks…still alive! Keller goes on to correlate that to what Jesus said in Luke 13;34, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you that killed the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings.” He did just that and like that mother bird “He was consumed.”
I think of what the Lt. Governor of Texas, Dan Patrick was willing to do to get the hair dresser out of prison, who he thought was unjustly punished by just trying to feed her family by reopening her business. Pay the fine of $7000.00 and be put under house arrest for a week in her place. Substitutionary sacrifice. I know this doesn’t compare to what Christ did for us, but I think this is what we’re called to do. ”Life changing love is costly!”
That’s quite a story about the governor of Texas!
10. Read the section called “The Main Course” in Keller’s book and share your notes and comments.
I had noticed that the lamb was not mentioned at the Last Supper, but I just assumed it was still there, just not mentioned. Even though Keller thinks that there was no lamb at that meal, I think I disagree at this point because if it had NOT been there, I think the gospels would have mentioned it NOT being there. Still, the fact that it was not mentioned is significant. He is the Lamb! Still pondering…
I love the imagery of the bird protecting her chicks from the fire, being burned to death herself, but her chicks surviving. I have heard such stories before. It is an amazing reality. But the last words of this section jumped out at me. “He [Jesus] did indeed gather Jerusalem’s children under his wings – and he was consumed… costly, substitutionary sacrifice.” He was “consumed”. The picture of Jesus being completely burned up by the fire of God’s wrath is a very somber one indeed. For me. He did that for me. It provides another stark picture of what the sacrifice cost Jesus. It is a realistic one because lambs were actually burned at the Jewish altars. It is not a picture that we are familiar with now or would chose to ponder deeply, but it is the truth.
Diane, I had some questions around all this as well because my understanding was that Jesus was crucified on Passover. This sermon by John MacArthur doesn’t really answer if there was a lamb (other than maybe they were too late in getting a lamb) at the Last Supper, but it does explain how Jesus was crucified on the Passover. https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/2382/the-last-passover-part-1
Interesting thought, Diane — about the lamb at the Last Supper. I don’t know. I know John tells us there are many things we are not told. The article Sharon linked to was interesting — I have some reservations about MacArthur, but the article made sense.
Dee, I smiled at your comment about MacArthur as Don felt the same. Jeanette and her husband were involved in his church while they lived in California and the three of them would have interesting conversations.
Interesting. I quoted him in He Calls You Beautiful and that made Darrell Bock of DTS so angry he wouldn’t endorse my book.
3. Read Mark 14:1-11
A. What were the chief priests and teachers of the law endeavoring to do, and why did they hope to do it before Passover?
They want to arrest Jesus and kill him; they were afraid people would riot.
B. Describe what Mary of Bethany did, finding all the details you can. ( A fuller account is in John 11.)
Mary brought n alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.
C. Why was she rebuked, and how did Jesus defend her?
Because of the cost of the perfume which was equivalent to a year’s wage. They further added that the money could have been given to the poor. Jesus defended her by saying that Mary has done a beautiful thing to prepare Jesus for his burial and that she did what she could. Powerful message as Mary must have been looking for something that would express her gratitude to Jesus for raising her brother, Lazarus.
D. How might Mary have been dying to any possible idol of:
Affirmation/Approval She did not care what others think of her act of generosity
Comfort/Security That alabaster jar could be a future investment for her
Control/Power Control over her future?
E. How do you see the “expulsive power of a new affection” working in Mary? How does that work in you? (Be specific.)
Because Mary loved Jesus so much, that new affection gave her the desire to do everything she can to bless Jesus. No longer was anything of this world important, not even her future could deter her from giving sacrificially.
I have always been protective of my health and my reputation because of the idol of approval and affirmation. But Jesus has been working in my heart pointing areas of my life that I do not want to give up because of fear of man (wanting their approval or not wanting confrontation). I have been asking myself lately whenever I hesitate on a decision, “Am I trying to please man or God?” I find that when I have chosen the latter that God has honored me by working things out much better than I Could have asked or imagined.
F. Keller writes in this chapter: “All real life-changing love is substitutionary sacrifice.” What does he mean? How do you see this in Mary?
Someone or something is given on behalf of others.
Mary gave up (sacrifice) her future to show her love for Jesus.
G. Pray for yourself to have this kind of love.
Lord, that I will not hold back what you ask of me-my family, my future, my life to bless you while I am still here this side of Heaven. May your greatest act of love on the cross propel me to live a life that is pleasing to you.
“Living for Jesus, A life that is true, Striving to please Him in all that I do
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free This is the pathway of blessing for me.
O Jesus Lord and Savior, I gave myself to Thee For thou in thine atonement Didst give Thyself for me
I own no other Master, My heart shall be thy throne
My life I give henceforth to live O Christ for thee alone.” Living for Jesus, A hymn by Thomas Chisholm
H. What happened at the end of this account? (verses 10-11) What idol do you think motivated Judas?
Judas went to the chief priests to betray Jesus. Approval from man and also power and control.
4. Read Mark 14:12-16
A. What do the disciples ask?
Where Jesus wants them to prepare for the Passover meal.
B. How does Jesus tell them to find “His” room?
To follow a man with a jar of water and ask the owner of the house for the room that the “Teacher” can use for the Passover meal.
C. How do you think this impacted the disciples when it happened?
They must have remembered when Jesus told them to go get the donkey that He rode to Jerusalem.
5. Read Mark 14:17-21
A. What does Jesus tell them, and how do they react?
Jesus told them that one of them will betray Him. They started asking who it would be.
B. What did each ask Him? Why, do you think?
Surely you don’t mean “me”? They must be unsure of where they stand with Jesus considering how they have acted during their times with Him.
C. What does He say about the one who will betray Him?
It would have been better if that person would not have been born.
8. Read Mark 14:27-31 and summarize what happens here.
Jesus tells the disciples they will all fall away, and He quotes Zech. 13:7. Peter protests, claiming he will never forsake Him. But Jesus tells him, that tonight Peter will deny Him 3 times. Peter still claims he will not, he would rather die than to deny Jesus.
9. What does the above and tell us about our hearts? How could you pray for yourself here?
I always love Peter because I feel I relate to him. He so desires to be faithful, and yet he fails. Oh Father, my spirit is willing but my flesh is so weak. I praise You for Your forgiveness that covers my sin and all my sins—past, present, future. Thank You. Help me grow in faithfulness, relying on Your Holy Spirit within me to strengthen and guide me, and thank You for Your grace that covers me when I fail.
This reminds me too of one of my favorite old Twila Paris songs, I can never hold back the tears on the line “I would rather die…” “Do I trust You, Lord? Does the river flow? Do I trust You, Lord? Does the north wind blow? You can see my heart, You can read my mind And You’ve got to know, I would rather die, Than to lose my faith in the One I love, Do I trust You, Lord? Do I trust You?”
Thursday: The Main Course
10. Read the section called “The Main Course” in Keller’s book and share your notes and comments. – OH MY GOODNESS!!!! I love this section. So much detail that I just passed over before. I again never saw just what the Passover meal meant. I never picked up that there was no mention of lamb at this meal, because Jesus was AT the table and he was lamb that was to be slaughtered. Oh my! Such detail. And how everything ties back to Jesus. All mention to things in the past are referring to Him. When I read the last line in this section “He did indeed gather Jerusalem’s children under his wings–and he was consumed. All real, life changing love is costly, substitutionary sacrifice.” my first thought was Jesus hanging on the cross, arms stretched out, just like the mother bird in Tim’s example, covering us from all pain and suffering. Because that is how much he loves us. WOW!!!
Friday: The Last Course
11. Read this last section in the chapter “The Feast” and share your notes and comments. – I loved all the variations of what the Last Supper is referred too. Going back to read them all. And this “the Lord’s Supper is a way of taking in the death of Christ for yourself and appropriating it personally.” This makes me step back and think about what Jesus did for me and to think what am I doing for Him. I want to have a purpose in my life and that now is living a life that Jesus would be proud of. I now realize in more depth that all that Jesus did for me, all the preparation that he went through from the day of his birth to the end of his earthly life will not make one bit of difference in my life if I don’t stop and take it all in. “This is the real food I need–Christ’s unconditional commitment to me.”
12. How can you “take in and digest Christ?” – For me I need to make Jesus my main priority. I can’t just read books or the Bible just to say I did it. I can’t come on to this blog and not think about what I’m reading or even writing out. I need to make Him personal to me. I don’t just want to check off the boxes. I want to KNOW HIM!
13. Keller closes this chapter with a quotation from Alec Motyer. How does this show that those in the Old Testament were saved by faith, as are we? – I’m not sure what quote this is referring to. Can someone let me know please?
10. Read the section called “The Main Course” in Keller’s book and share your notes and comments.
Again….shocked! There was no main course; no lamb. Jesus was the main course; the lamb at the table. Whoa!!!
Love the story of the three chicks that were saved by their mommy at Yellowstone after a fire. Amazing. Made me tear up. Happy Mother’s Day everyone.
1. Read the first two pages of “The Feast” in Keller’s book, stopping after Mark 14:12-16 is printed. Share your notes and comments.
“Someone would die under the wrath of justice.” Oh, that Jesus took the penalty of my sin! Take “shelter under the substitute” We are advised to shelter in place. There is no sure shelter other than Jesus!
10. the Main Course: Jesus departed from the script- There was no lamb on the table because Jesus was the Lamb. Jesus said, this is my body (that Isaiah had spoken about). Jesus got what we deserved- for our sin and our guilt that he took upon himself. He took the divine justice on himself. Keller emphasizes the substitutionary sacrifice- this is necessary for us ,too, for as we love a hurting, broken person, we enter into that brokenness. The amazing example is of the bird who was burned, leaving a petrified shell, and under it, when it was moved, scurried 3 chicks. As the mother protected her offspring. all life-changing love is costly…
1. Read first in Keller’s book, following where Mark 14:12-16 is printed to the headed “The Main Course.” Share your notes and comments.
I did not know that there were 4 cups of wine! And that Jesus departs from the script when talking about the bread. I would have said, wait a minute, Lord. But wow! When He said “this is my body” I would have been confused. This is my blood. What a great reminder of the blood that Jesus shed for us, for me.
7. Read Mark 14:22-26
A. Instead of saying, as was said in Passover, “This is the bread of our affliction, ” what does Jesus say, and how was this the bread of His affliction?
Jesus said, “this is my body.” I looked to this passage from Isaiah 53 remembering what I was before Jesus and He was afflicted for me: “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes, we are healed. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.…”
B. When Jesus says, “This is the blood of the covenant,” what is He saying? How will this blood bring us into the feast of the King?
The blood of the covenant was in OT times a substitute, a payment for the sins of the people. The sacrifice should be an animal without blemish. Jesus’ blood is now the substitute-past sacrifices are no longer needed.
C. When you take communion, what do you want to remember from this that will make communion more meaningful to you?
I no longer have to offer sacrifices for my sins. Jesus has paid it all. Communion is a reminder of the great love Jesus has for me.
8. Read Mark 14:27-31 and summarize what happens here.
Jesus said that the disciples will fall away from Him. Peter said he will not and the others said the same. But Jesus predicted Peter’s denial.
9. What does the above and tell us about our hearts? How could you pray for yourself here?
That our hearts can be deceitful. That we can turn our backs to Jesus when fear overcomes.
Lord, search my heart, and may I not be fearful of standing up for you. When the temptation to deny you come, strengthen my heart. Remind me of your great love. And yet during those weak moments when I get deceived and my heart wanders, I thank you that like Peter, you will restore me to your joy. Keep my heart steadfast in you by the Holy Spirit that is in me.
11. Read this last section in the chapter “The Feast” and share your notes and comments.
“…taking in Christ….”such a thought. My mom was a Catholic and my husbands family are Catholics also. I’ve always been disturbed that if I went to their churches and they had communion, I was “not allowed” to partake because I never went through all the courses and had the churches “blessing” to have the “right” to take communion. I’ve always told my husband that Jesus would not have denied me communion, and this was a man’s made up religious control. Recently, my sister, who has NEVER been to church since she was about 16 (she is now 64) has started watching some Catholic mass on TV and decided that she is going to be part of that denomination again. I am trying to explain that you don’t need “good works” to go to heaven; that you just need to accept Jesus and love your neighbors as yourself, but she isn’t convinced. So sad. We had the communion discussion too and she didn’t agree with me. She doesn’t read the Bible. I told her that what she “believed in” isn’t in the Bible. But, there are books that have been taken out, right? And, aren’t there more books that Catholics follow? Do they reveal that you shouldn’t have communion if you aren’t Catholic? Ugh….I suppose it’s better than her thinking she wanted to follow the Native American “gods” idea…anyone have any thoughts on this?
The trees and the mountains would sing for joy! I wonder what that means or looks like? We are dormant until Christ comes again.
“…greatest longings of your heart will be satisfied on the day you sit down for that eternal feast in the promised kingdom of God.” love this line….
12. How can you “take in and digest Christ?”
I need to know Jesus, and have a personal relationship with Him. We can remember that we all are connected as a family when we take communion together in our churches.
13. Keller closes this chapter with a quotation from Alec Motyer. How does this show that those in the Old Testament were saved by faith, as are we?
I suppose because they were literally saved by the blood of the lamb in the actual Passover event, and we are saved by our faith in the blood of Jesus Christ?
I’m wondering if it might be better to meet your mother where she is — instead of arguing with her (and yes, much wrong — and the books of the apocrypha (means of questionable authority) have much that disagrees with Scripture. I have been reading a prayer journal of a Catholic called He and I that does show a Catholic can have a real relationship with God. Does she read? Because is she could grasp “relationship” the rest might fall into place.
Hmmm….good idea Dee! Who’s the author? I will send it to her.
Gabrielle Bossis. It’s backordered — another good Catholic author is Henry Nouwen. If she is artsy — I loved The Return of the Prodigal.
oh Laura–I loved Nouwen’s Prodigal Son. My mom is Catholic too. Will pray
Saturday:
14. What is your take-a-way this week and why? – There has been so much great, eye opening information in this week’s lesson. The thing for me was just how much Jesus did for me and that everything ties back to him from the beginning. The Passover meal was very enlightening to know just how it was prepared and what it was to accomplish. Loved this whole week. Thank you Dee.
Thursday: The Main Course
10. Read the section called “The Main Course” in Keller’s book and share your notes and comments.
There is no mention of the Passover Lamb! I have never thought of that before. “There was no lamb on the table because the Lamb of God was at the table.” I would like to think that all this special meal made sense to the disciples after Jesus ascended to heaven. It would be a powerful memory for them especially at times of persecution and a powerfully written story for me as I read this chapter.
All real life-changing love is costly, substitutionary sacrifice. I love the story of the bird in the Yellowstone National Park protecting her chicks under her wings so that they might live. Jesus was “consumed” for me.
Friday: The Last Course
11. Read this last section in the chapter “The Feast” and share your notes and comments.
When participating in communion, we take in the death of Christ and appropriating it personally.
12. How can you “take in and digest Christ?”
To have a personal relationship with Christ
To partake of it as a family-the commonality we have as Christian brothers and sisters is that we are saved by Jesus Christ
It points us to a future with Jesus Christ, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.
The longings of my heart will be fulfilled when I sit in the eternal feast in the promised kingdom of God.
13. Keller closes this chapter with a quotation from Alec Motyer. How does this show that those in the Old Testament were saved by faith, as are we?
The quote from Alec follows the pattern to salvation, sanctification, and glorification
A slave in Egypt A slave to sin
Under a sentence of death (the plague of the firstborn) for the wages of sin is death
I took shelter under the blood of the Lamb Jesus shed His blood for me for my salvation
God lives in our midst The presence of the Holy Spirit
And we are following Him to the promised Land The promise of heaven
Saturday:
14. What is your take-a-way this week and why?
I feel like Jesus was such a radical lover of souls. He did everything to redeem us from ultimate death. It is beyond my comprehension how He could love a sinner such as I! He made me worthy to be a part of the eternal feast in the kingdom of God.
Mary was a radical as well. She did not spare any expense to show her love for the Lord. Can I do the same? What is holding me from giving my all to Jesus?
Friday
11. Read this last section in the chapter “The Feast” and share your notes and comments.
The feast with Jesus in the future is something I never thought of before while taking communion and as far as I know have never heard taught while taking the Lord’s Supper. It gives me joy to think of being able to celebrate communion because of what Christ did for me while knowing the grand feast is still to come..
12. How can you “take in and digest Christ?”
Make spending time in the Word a priority, meditating upon it, memorizing it, praying it and being a doer of it. I must admit that sounds like such a cliche answer…continuing to ponder.
13. Keller closes this chapter with a quotation from Alec Motyer. How does this show that those in the Old Testament were saved by faith, as are we?
They took in faith that by putting blood of a lamb over their doors they would be saved from bondage. Just as when we put our faith in the blood of the Lamb we’ll be saved from bondage.
11. the Last Course: Jesus says that anyone who believes in him are to eat the bread and cup together. The bread that is broken reminds us of the body of Christ, broken for us and the wine is a reminder of his blood poured out for our sins. It is a reminder of the sacrificial, substitutionary love of Jesus. The Lord’s Supper is a way of taking in the death of Christ for yourself. “Feed on him in your hearts by faith.”
We need to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ to benefit from his perfect substitutionary sacrifice for us. This needs to be a family meal, with our brothers and sisters in Christ. This transforming bond is the basis for our unity, (a band of natural enemies from different education, race, politics, nationality,and so on) brought together by this unity of belief!
This also points to the future! The ultimate feast is possible through this sacrifice. Everything now is dormant, as seeds which need the presence of sun. Psalm 96:12 “All the trees of the forest will sing for joy…”
Yes, I long for that eternal feast in the promised kingdom, now more than ever!
Saturday
14. What is your take-a-way this week and why?
Through this weeks study God has shown me the importance of relationship…with Him and others. People that know me, know I have enjoyed sheltering in place…gives me a good excuse not to socialize, but God created us to be relational people. He’s working in my heart.
Good word for all of us who are introverts, Sharon!