Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God. Mark 14:25
I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark. Today, my focus is per the commentary, the third division of the text from Mark 14:12-25 - vv22-25.
- Using the Sword Bible Study Method focusing just on the text for today - vv17-21: (1) God in the text: Jesus is once again alluding to his imminent crucifixion and sharing how this is done very purposely as the once for all final atonement for all the sins of humanity for all of redemptive history - see Hebrews 10:11-18. This was God's plan since the beginning and Jesus fulfills all the law and prophecies. The disciples do not know it yet but the practice of using bread and wine to represent Christ's body and blood has not yet been instituted as Communion or the Lord's Supper - this is the first time. Jesus is also alluding to his coming resurrection and ascension to Heaven to be seated at the right hand of the Father in v25. (2) people in the text: The disciples are unwitting participants in this first instance of Communion or the Lord's Supper. (3) Sins to avoid, promises to claim, examples to follow, and commands to obey: We of course know that Jesus's words pointing to his death and resurrection do come to pass as Jesus is Truth and all of His promises come true - see 2 Corinthians 1:20. We can trust Him and rest in His promises.
- The title of the third division per the commentary is "Jesus Prepared a Last Supper That Was Actually a First Supper."
- See also the others gospels account of the Last Supper and 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 and 11:17:34.
- The Passover meal per Tim Keller (see King's Cross) was the "proper occasion for the Lord's Supper to be instituted": "It included four points at which the presider, holding a glass of wine, got up and explained the Feast’s meaning. The four cups of wine represented the four promises made by God in Exodus 6:6-7. These promises were for rescue from Egypt, for freedom from slavery, for redemption by God’s power, and for a renewed relationship [based on New Covenant] with God. The third cup came at a point when the meal was almost completely eaten."
- We are referred to Sam Storm's thoughts (start at 5:55 mark) on how with this ritual from the Last Supper "[w]hat Jesus requested, indeed commanded, His followers and friends to do subsequent to His death is nothing short of shocking! It’s one thing to desire that your memory be preserved by your loved ones and that they continue to honor and esteem you throughout the remainder of their lives. . . . But it is altogether something else to command that your friends, family, and followers gather together regularly at a meal not only in your name but with you as the sole and exclusive focus. . . . Jesus commanded His followers, every time they broke bread together, to make Him the central point of their celebration and to recall and re-tell His life and death. Were anyone to make this request of me prior to their death, I would probably conclude that the proximity of their demise had afflicted them with delusions of grandeur and megalomania. Yet, this is precisely what Jesus commanded that each of His followers do in memory of Him!"
- "Jesus brings things to a close by refusing to drink the fourth and final cup. It is the cup of consummation and life in the promised land of God. For that cup He will wait. First, He must drink to the last drop the cup of God’s wrath and justice. Apart from it, no cup of blessing would be possible."
Indeed Jesus knew everything that was to happen, orchestrated all of it, and he did it so that we could have life to the full now and for eternity (John 3:16). We must also understand the role of communion. Another good resource worth checking out is Sam Storms' thoughts on the Lord's Supper and Communion/The Eucharist where he uses 1 Corinthians 11:23-34 as the basis for his commentary.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves...thank You for saving me and giving me the opportunity to fellowship with You now in Spirit and for eternity in Heaven. I am not deserving of such a gift - the greatest gift of all time. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
