WHO IS THIS MAN?
WEEK 6 DISCUSSION GUIDE "DINNER"
READ
This week we continued in the “Who Is This Man” series seeking to answer the question, who is Jesus? We looked at the last supper, which was the last meal Jesus would share with his disciples. There, Jesus would redefine the elements of the Passover meal and point to a new covenant based on love.
The Passover meal was a time when the people of Israel would reflect back to and reenact parts of the Exodus, which was God’s deliverance of the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt. Each part of the meal was eaten in a specific order and had a symbolic meaning.
Unleavened bread was served as it pointed back to when the newly freed slaves fled Egypt. They did not have time to wait for bread to rise. This bread, known as the bread of affliction, was a reminder of the suffering their ancestors endured in Egypt.
We are told in Mark 14:22 that while they were eating Jesus took the bread and after giving thanks broke it and giving it to his disciples said, “Take it; this is my body.” In breaking the bread, Jesus points forward to when his body will be broken for many. The new Exodus, Jesus death and resurrection would bring freedom from sin and death.
Mark 14:23-25
Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they alldrank from it. “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he saidto them. Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
This cup, taken as part of the Passover meal was the cup of redemption. It signified the price paid to move from slavery to freedom, the blood of the goat. Here Jesus points to a new covenant, where his blood will be shed as the ransom, the price paid, for freedom from sin and death. When we take the elements of unleavened bread and juice with communion today, we remember how Jesus paid for our sins with his death on the cross.
This new covenant Jesus pointed to at the Passover meal will be based on love, on loving him, knowing him and abiding in him. As we abide in him, this enables us to love one another.
John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must loveone another”
DISCUSS
Gathering for the Passover meal held great significance in Jewish life and culture. Share with your group about a meal that is an important part of your family tradition.
Has someone ever given you something that they treasured, that was a sacrifice for them to give up? How did that make you feel?
Tell about a time when you sacrificed something, time, money, or preference for someone. Was this difficult for you?
We may sacrifice time, money or personal preference for others, but Christ gave his life, the ultimate sacrifice, for us. How does knowing the magnitude of his sacrifice help you understand his love for you?
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must loveone another” (John 13:34). What does it look like to live this out in your life? In what ways does this challenge you?
Tell about a time someone showed you the love of Christ through their actions.
Brainstorm with your group ways that you can show the love of Christ to someone this week.
PRAY FOR YOUR GROUP
Pray that we would reflect on Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for us. That this would move usto action, to love others as Christ loves us.
PRAY FOR FCC
Pray that we would live grounded in the love of Christ. That people in our community and the world would come to know Christ’s love by the way we love them.
PRAY FOR OUR GLOBAL PARTNERS
Pray and thank Jesus for the faithfulness of our global partners, Mid India Christian. They will begin breaking ground soon for the first BOYS Mercy Home in Damoh, India, which is a program and full-time facility for vulnerable children in need of support, care and education. Please pray that Jesus will supply more partners and donors to come alongside them to complete the building process so more boys can come to be educated in a safe, loving environment. Pray for Mid India as they continue to reach out to those who have yet to hear about the good news and love of Jesus.