Remembering the Greatest Servant
* On the night of Jesus' betrayal and arrest, Jesus had his "last supper" with his disciples. This supper was the Passover meal. The Passover meal was an annual event for remembering what God had done to deliver (rescue, save) Israel from their slavery in Egypt.

* A "Passover lamb" was sacrificed in late afternoon on the 14th day of the first month of the religious year, and the Passover meal was eaten after sunset. This Passover meal would be different from any other. Jesus would give it new meaning and significance. Read Luke 22:7-20.

* While Jesus knew that he would be betrayed, arrested, tried, tortured and crucified, this passage shows that Jesus was in control. Things worked according to God's plan.

¶ After they reclined at the table, Jesus told his disciples, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until after it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God" (Luke 22:15-16, NIV).

* How would the Passover "find fulfillment in the kingdom of God?" Jesus explained by giving new meaning to the cup and bread in the Passover meal.

1. As Jesus took the bread and cup (in verses 19-20), what did Jesus say about them? What meaning did he give the bread and cup?

† Bread - "my body given for you"
† Cup - "the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."

¶ "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29, NIV)

¶ "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed" (1 Corinthians 5:7, NIV).

¶ "…you were redeemed…with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect" (1 Peter 1:18-19, NIV).

* "As [Jesus] gathers with [his disciples], they recall in the Passover the last great salvific event, the exodus. They are gathered to look back, but Jesus looks forward to his approaching suffering and a new sacrifice that opens a new era. Jesus…is the like the lamb of the exodus meal."

* By saying, "do this in remembrance of me" (22:19), Jesus instituted "the Lord's Supper" (see 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). The "Lord's Supper" is one of two major ordinances (or sacraments) observed by all Christian churches. The "Lord's Supper" is "a time of sharing in worship, praise and thanksgiving, remembering our Lord's death until He comes again" (BCF website).

Realizing that Greatness is Serving
* After presenting the bread and cup as symbols of his sacrificial death, Jesus spoke of the betrayal that would lead to his death. Read Luke 22:21-30.

* Though Judas was responsible for his evil act, it was included in God's plan of salvation (22:22; Acts 2:22-24). God used evil to accomplish his good purpose. God used evil to destroy evil.

* Jesus' disciples began to argue about which one of them would be greatest in the kingdom. In response, Jesus said, "[The world's] kings like to throw their weight around and people in authority like to give themselves fancy titles." "But you are not to be like that." (22:25-26a)

2. In what way are Jesus' disciples supposed to be different? What is the main difference in attitude? How did Jesus exemplify this attitude? (What was Jesus' attitude?)

3. Jesus' teaching is directed toward the apostles; thus it has direct application to leadership within the church. However, do you think it also applies to believers in other settings, like the university, workplace, and community? If so, how can the believer be "like a servant," especially in competitive situations? Will this attitude bring "success?" Explain.

Reflection & Application
† Deeply reflect on what Jesus did for us as "the lamb of God." What is the appropriate response? Have you responded? As a believer, is it obvious that you are a servant? Reflect on this lesson.