It seems fitting that the last message in our series covers what many of us might consider the most important meal of all. The description of this meal by Luke recounts the events of the evening when Jesus went to the upper room during the celebration of the Passover feast to recline and eat the Passover Seder with his disciples. Many of us know this as the communion table. Some call it the Lord's Supper. Others often use the term Eucharist. Passover was (and still is) extremely important to the Jewish people. Eating the Passover meal includes a lot of symbolism and focuses on remembering God's faithfulness and the journey of God's people during their escape from slavery in Egypt. In fact, Luke mentions the word Passover five times in this week's study of Luke 22.

At this special Seder meal that Jews celebrated throughout their history, there would be a retelling of the story of the liberation of the Israelites from slavery and special songs would be sung. Pastor Adam mentioned most of these songs are from Psalm 113 and 114. Other songs from the Psalms were sung as they went to the Mount of Olives after the meal.

There are four cups at this special meal: The first is the cup of blessing. This was to remind everyone that God is still faithful - even on hard days. The second cup was to remind the guests they were set free by God. This is when the spotless lamb was served. During the third cup, Jesus changed the usual story-telling to insert himself as the THE bread and MY blood. The fourth cup is still left undone. It is the cup of completion. The story is not finished yet.

INVITATION: God's work is NOT complete. No matter how topsy-turvy and out of control things may seem, God is still on the throne and is still faithful - even on the bad days. Even during the bad years. Even during many bad years, as the Israelites experienced. The story is NOT over and the blood of Jesus Christ STILL covers you and covers me so we can be "passed over" by the sting of death. Pastor Adam mentioned communion is an act of Thanksgiving. In fact, the original word for Eucharist means thanksgiving. How might you remember all Jesus has done on your behalf during this season - and this week's specific day - of Thanksgiving?

MONDAY: Luke 22:1-6: The chief priests and teachers of the law did not fear God, but they were "afraid of the people." Whose opinion do you pay more attention to: God's or those of "the people?"

TUESDAY: Luke 22:7-20 Within these verses Luke describes where the original, centuries old script was changed by Jesus to point to himself as the passover lamb. Insert yourself into this scene, using your God given imagination. Which disciple are you? Or, perhaps you are someone else reclining at the passover meal with Jesus? As Jesus says these words, what are you thinking and feeling? Jesus mentions his blood being poured out for you. What words of gratefulness and thanksgiving might you pray together in thanksgiving for offering himself as the passover lamb?

WEDNESDAY: Luke 22:24-30: It's almost frightening to think that after Jesus had poured three years of His life into these men; after they had seen the character of Jesus on display in almost every conceivable circumstance; that at the final hours before His betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion, they were arguing-about which of them was the greatest! The extreme patience of Jesus was shown when he didn't lose his temper with them at his hour of greatest need and concern. How might you be invited today to pray about your patience? How might you be invited today to pray about your need to feel, look or be known as "great?" How might you ask for Jesus to live through you in those areas? He stands ready to help and to heal.

THURSDAY: Luke 22:39-40: Pastor Adam pointed out that as Jesus and his disciples proceeded to the Mount of Olives they would have been singing and worshiping straight from Psalm 116-Psalm 118. Psalm 118:17 says: "I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done." How can you proclaim what the Lord has done in your life? I Peter instructs us to always be prepared to give account of the hope that is in you. Are you prepared to tell of what God has done and the hope you have because of Him?

FRIDAY: Luke 22:40-46: Read these words by James Weldon Johnson from "God's Trombones."

"Jesus, my gentle Jesus,

Walking in the dark of the garden -

The Garden of Gethsemane,

Saying to the three disciples:

Sorrow is in my soul -

Even unto death;

Tarry ye here a little while,

And watch with me.

Jesus, my burdened Jesus,

Praying in the dark of the garden -

The Garden of Gethsemane.

Saying: Father,

Oh, Father,

This bitter cup,

Let it pass from me.

Jesus, my sorrowing Jesus,

The sweat like drops of

blood upon his brow,

Talking with his Father,

While the three disciples

slept,

Saying: Father,

Oh, Father,

Not as I will,

But let thy will be done."

What stands out for you from these words or the scripture verses? Is there an invitation from God for you in any of this?

SATURDAY: Luke 22:54-62: Peter denied Jesus three times. This is perhaps the deepest betrayal possible for a Christian. Even so, in the Gospel of Mark the angel at the tomb after the resurrection told Mary and Martha to "go, tell his disciples AND PETER..." about Jesus' resurrection. This message was clearly meant to let Peter know that God forgave him for his betrayal. If Jesus can forgive and want relationship with Peter, do you think the same might be true for you?