What can we learn about Jesus' mission from His actions in Luke 22:14? Setting the Scene: The Significance of the Hour • “When the hour had come” (Luke 22:14) points to a pre-ordained, God-set moment. • From His youth Jesus lived by the Father’s timetable—“Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49). • Galatians 4:4 affirms this divine scheduling: “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son….” • Christ’s mission is never random; every step, including this meal, unfolds exactly when the Father intends. Mission Grounded in Covenant Fulfillment • The Last Supper takes place at Passover, recalling Exodus 12. • Jesus is positioning Himself as the true Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). • By reclining at table, He announces the arrival of the new covenant He will ratify “in My blood” (Luke 22:20). • His mission centers on substitutionary atonement: “the Son of Man came…to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Mission Marked by Table Fellowship • Jesus “reclined at the table with His apostles” (Luke 22:14). • Table fellowship in Scripture signals acceptance, intimacy, and shared identity (Psalm 23:5; Revelation 3:20). • Christ’s mission includes drawing sinners into restored communion with God (Luke 19:10; John 14:6). • By eating with His followers, He previews the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). Mission Embraces Servanthood and Sacrifice • Reclining was the posture of free people; yet moments later Jesus washes feet (John 13:4-5), embodying servant leadership. • He teaches that greatness in His kingdom flows from humble service (Luke 22:26-27). • His action foreshadows the ultimate act of servanthood—the cross (Philippians 2:5-8). Mission Establishes a Community for Future Witness • “The apostles with Him” signals intentional investment in those who will carry His gospel. • Acts 1:8 shows this mission transferring to them: “You will receive power…and you will be My witnesses.” • Their shared meal becomes a pattern for ongoing remembrance—“Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19)—cementing gospel truth in the church’s worship. Living It Out Today • Trust God’s timing; His purposes unfold precisely. • Rest in the finished work of the true Passover Lamb. • Cherish fellowship with Christ and His people as a taste of eternal communion. • Serve others with Christ-like humility. • Proclaim the new covenant, joining the apostles’ witness to the ends of the earth. |
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