City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh

The Word

¹⁴ And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. ¹⁵ And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. ¹⁶ For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” ¹⁷ And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. ¹⁸ For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” ¹⁹ And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” ²⁰ And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood ²¹ But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. ²² For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” ²³ And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.

–Luke 22:14-23 ESV

Aisha’s Analysis

Today’s verses display the kindness, mercy, and sacrifice of our Savior. This was no ordinary Passover for Jesus or His disciples. 

Firstly, the Passover feast was done in remembrance of God passing over the first born children in people’s homes in Egypt who smeared the blood of the lamb on their doorposts (Exodus 12). This was a picture of God’s redemption over the people of Israel, a foreshadowing of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and one of the feasts the people celebrated over the generations to remember the event. 

Here, Jesus is the Lamb of God whose blood was to be shed for the redemption of all humanity. With man’s sin came a price we were all unable to pay until Jesus came and paid it in full. While it cost Him dearly, He willingly laid down His life in obedience to God and love for His friends. 

He even mentions the person who betrayed Him at the table. He did this not to shame Judas, but perhaps to show us that even though He knew full well that Judas would betray Him, He was still willing to share communion with Judas and even wash his feet. This shows us the radical grace of God. He shows us that even the acute pain caused by the betrayal of a close friend will not stop Him from doing what God called Him to do.

How amazing is God? Not only does He save us, but He also befriends us and gives us an opportunity to know Him and break bread with Him. Fellowship with God is not possible without Jesus’ sacrifice, and Jesus earnestly desired to remain in fellowship with the disciples up until the very end. 

He broke bread with people and eventually gave Himself to be broken for all humanity. What an amazing God we serve. 

Application

How can you follow Jesus’ shining example of friendship and sacrifice? What is it that you are holding onto that you are unwilling to let go of (sacrifice)? Who is it that you are shutting out, but God is calling you to invite to the table (friendship)? Jesus was not ruled by selfish desires or fear of what people would do to Him. He obeyed God and allowed the love of God to govern His choices. 

How can you do likewise today? Take some time to sit in stillness for at least five minutes and listen for God’s voice to guide you. You can do this on your way to work or school or before everyone in your household wakes up/after they go to sleep, on your lunch break, as you brush your teeth or shower. Let God speak to you and listen to what He says. 

Prayer

Father God, I am eternally grateful for your enormous sacrifice. You gave up Your only begotten Son to save me. Not only that, but You are also my forever friend. Thank You for always showing up and being there when I need You most. Help me to follow Your marvelous example in my daily life and decisions. In Jesus’ name, amen.