October 4, 2016

HE KNOWS WHO'S AT THE TABLE

Luke 22:1–23

Brooke Buchanan
Tuesday's Devo

October 4, 2016

Tuesday's Devo

October 4, 2016

Central Truth

We've all been where Judas was—allowing Satan to lead us down the wrong path and betraying Jesus in the process. But Jesus knew whom He was dying for, and He did it willingly.

Key Verse | Luke 22:19–21

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." And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table." (Luke 22:19-21)

Luke 22:1–23

The Plot to Kill Jesus

Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people.

Judas to Betray Jesus

Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.

The Passover with the Disciples

Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus 1 22:8 Greek he sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it.” They said to him, “Where will you have us prepare it?” 10 He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters 11 and tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 12 And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.” 13 And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

Institution of the Lord's Supper

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 2 22:16 Some manuscripts never eat it again 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. 3 22:20 Some manuscripts omit, in whole or in part, verses 19b-20 (which is given 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.

Footnotes

[1] 22:8 Greek he
[2] 22:16 Some manuscripts never eat it again
[3] 22:20 Some manuscripts omit, in whole or in part, verses 19b-20 (which is given . . . in my blood)

Dive Deeper | Luke 22:1–23

Am I the only one who feels that today's passage played out like the penultimate episode of a TV drama? So much happens here. Building tension comes to a head—powerful men want Jesus put to death, and one of His own disciples trades Jesus' life for money (with the devil himself having "entered into Judas"). Cut to Jesus and His disciples partaking in Passover, where Jesus reclines at the table and casually lays out humanity's salvation. And then? He reveals that there's a TRAITOR at the table! That's a setup for a pretty intense season finale.

In all seriousness, I can only imagine how emotional this scene actually was, especially for Jesus. It really is quite dramatic, isn't it? The drama, however, isn't as important as the fact that none of this was a surprise to Jesus. He knew exactly what had happened and what would come next. He knew exactly who was sitting at the table.

He knew who was present when He broke bread and said, "This is my body, which is given for you. . . . This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood." (Luke 22:19-20) Did you catch that? "[F]or you." Not, "for everyone except my betrayer, who's here, by the way." He spoke to everyone at the table. In the midst of tragic betrayal, Jesus included Judas in an intimate moment with His disciples when he described just how far He was willing to go in order to save them. He was explaining the depth of His love for them—all of them. He knew who was sitting at the table.

Imagine sitting at dinner with Jesus. You know that He's fully aware of your sin. He tells everyone that He gave His body and blood for them so that they might have eternal life and be with Him forever. Then you lock eyes as He says, "For you, too." Are you crying? Because I am.

Jesus knew whom He was dying for, and He did it willingly, carrying out the greatest act of love in history. For you.

Discussion Questions

1. Do you think it's significant that verse 14 describes Jesus as "reclined at table"? Why or why not?

2. Have you ever felt like the traitor at the table? What might that look like in your life?

3. It's easy to hear the gospel and believe that it's true, that Jesus gave His life for everyone—including you. But it's more difficult in practice. Do you really believe this in your darkest moments? What can you do to put this belief into practice?