Text: Luke 22:1-38
The Bible tells us that “Satan entered Judas…” In fact, Satan gained control
over Judas on two occasions: The first one was at the time before Judas began arranging to betray Jesus Christ to the chief priests (v.3), the second one was during the last supper (John 13:27). Everything is happening according to God’s plan, and not according to the devil or the chief priests (v.2). Peter and John are chosen to go prepare the Passover meal (v.8). They were told that as soon as they reach the city, Jerusalem, a man carrying a pitcher of water would guide them to the Upper Room. It was strange for a man to fetch water; traditionally, this was work for women (v.10). This was not a pre-arranged signal for them to locate the room, but a manifestation of Christ’s divine omniscience.
The meal was fundamental; for it marked a new covenant (v.20). On the night that Israel was delivered from slavery, God came into Egypt to put to death the first-born of each family, the Israelites ate a special meal, the covenant meal, the Passover. The meal included a year-old lamb, which was killed, and the blood was smeared on the door posts outside. It showed that a symbolic death-substitution had been effected by God inside the home, and God would put no one to death in that house, He would pass over it.
Now with this meal, Jesus is instituting a “new covenant” between God and
His people in that Jesus was going to die in the place of sinners. Jesus’ blood, because He is God, would remove the sins of all who would put their trust in Him (John 1:12). This sacrifice was once for all, it would not be repeated (Heb. 9:23-28). In Christ, all your sins are forgiven, In Him alone you have eternal life.
Meditate on verse 8. How are you going to apply it to your life?
Father in heaven, in the name of Jesus Christ, help me prepare my heart so that You settle in and enable me to serve You better. Amen.