Preparations for anything that is special always involves details. It’s always paying attention to the little details that make a big difference. Please read Mark 14:12-26 as the disciples ask Jesus, “Where do you want us to go and prepare the Passover so that you may eat it?” Jesus will give his disciples specific instructions to follow so that they can prepare everything for Jesus so that he can host this Passover meal and the beginning of the festival of Unleavened Bread with his disciples. The instructions for the preparation for the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread are given specifically in Exodus chapter 12 and they have remained unchanged. So the disciples will follow the LORD’s instructions as outlined in Exodus chapter 12 but they will also follow the instructions given by the Lord Jesus on where to prepare so that he may eat this Passover with his disciples. The day of preparation is on Thursday, the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread begins on Thursday evening per our calendar. The Jewish day begins in the evening. Did you notice in reading this passage of Scripture that Jesus gives specifics in his answer. For example, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house he goes to and tell the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?” Jesus will become the Passover Lamb for us. (1 Corinthians 5:6-8) How many of us have stopped long enough to prepare ourselves for partaking of the Lord’s Supper? Here the two disciples, Peter and John had to prepare, get everything ready just as the Lord had instructed so that he could eat this Passover meal with his disciples. Do we take the time to examine our hearts before the Lord? We as humans have a tendency to gloss over sin by judging according to our standard and not God’s standard. When was the last time each of us ever prayed: Search me, God and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way. (Psalm 139:23-24) As they were eating the Passover meal Jesus told them a truth that would send shockwaves throughout the room. He told the disciples that one of them would betray him– one who is eating with me. One by one they would respond by saying, “Surely not I?” Finally they get around to Judas Ischariot and he is the one who will betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Have you ever asked the Lord this important question: Am I yours? Am I holy? We ourselves cannot answer these two questions only Jesus can. So as you prepare to partake of the Lord’s Supper the next time you may want to take self examination seriously because none of us want to be guilty of sin against the body and blood of the Lord. (1 Corinthians 11:27) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) As you confess your sins to the Lord you can know that he will keep his promise according to his word. So you’re invited to prepare your heart so that you can partake in the Lord’s Supper the next time.
Categories: Weekly Sermon