Jesus the Philosopher: Answers for Life
Luke 22:1-23, November 13, 2022
Prayer Requests:
Group Discussion: How did you feel as a kid when you were caught doing something wrong, sorry for doing it or sorry for getting caught?
Read out loud: Luke 22:1-23,
What do you think of the statement: Ritualism is the dead faith of those now living? Do you think anyone ever really realizes it when they’re engaged in ritualism? Have you ever taken communion in a ritualistic way?
Ritual is the living faith of those now dead. What person in your history or even in Church History has inspired you to lead a deeper life with Christ? Would you rather have the faith of Billy Graham so you could share Christ with people or the faith of Mother Teresa and serve the most desperate of people or the faith of President Jimmy Carter and build homes for financially struggling people?
#1. The tragedy of the unforgivable. Judas was Satan possessed, he deserted and sold an innocent man to murderers. The Old Testament says, “An eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth.” That was revolutionary, because in the ancient world it was, “You took my eye, I’ll punish you by taking your head. You took my tooth, I’ll knock all of yours out!” Fair and equitable justice was a novel concept. What punishment did Judas deserve for putting to death the God of all creation?
#2. The ritual of repentance. Jesus used the Feast of Unleaven bread and the Passover in the right way, to prepare for freedom from slavery to sin. Just as the Jews were slaves in Egypt and were set free, we are slaves to sin and are set free by Jesus. Is repentance for sin a heart attitude or a physical activity? How often is repentance needed?
#3. The ritual of communion. “This cup…is the new covenant in My blood.” A blood sacrifice was the statement, “May I forfeit my life if I do not keep my promise to you.” It was a picture of judgment for unfulfilled promises. It was used as a statement of payment for sin when the sacrifice was dedicated to God. Jesus became our sacrifice in payment to God for our sin, our substitute payee, and as a statement of commitment to fulfill His promise of salvation and eternal life. How’s your attitude when you’re taking communion? What could you improve?
#4. The ritual of sanctification. “…the hand of the one betraying Me is with Mine on the table.” As a person set apart to serve God do you ever feel like you’re betraying Him?
Family Time: Read Luke 22:19-20 and serve communion to your family.