On the night before Jesus crucifixion, Jesus shared one last meal with the disciples, commonly known as the Last Supper. Afterwards, he went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray to the Father.

1. Jesus calls for repentance. The broken bread represents Christ’s broken body to cover the cost of the sins of mankind. The juice represents Christ’s resurrection power through his shed blood on the cross. His sacrifice was necessary to atone for the sins of mankind. His resurrection ensured that all people could know the promise of eternal life. His heart’s desire was ‘not my will, but your will be done’.

2. Jesus suffered so we could find strength in suffering. As Jesus prayed to the Father in the garden, he experienced great anguish over his upcoming betrayal.

3. Jesus draws us to mission. The will of the Father was that all creation would have the opportunity to know Jesus as Savior. We find true life when we are invested in God’s kingdom life rather than this temporary life.

Jesus doesn’t call for us to merely accept Him, He calls us to say daily, ‘not my will, but your will be done’. The Holy Spirit gives us strength to live in repentance. Suffering reminds us of our continual need to find strength in the Holy Spirit. Jesus calls us to co-mission with Him for His kingdom mission.

Remember his sacrifice. Follow Jesus. Suffer for His glory. Reflect on the mission He has for you. A life well lived is found in persistent submission to Christ.

(Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-23, Matthew 26:36-46)

Pastor Jason Marshall

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