Family Bible Series for April 2: Honor Christ’s suffering with persistent service

Posted: 3/21/06

Family Bible Series for April 2

Honor Christ’s suffering with persistent service

• Luke 22:14-20, 24-27, 31-34

By Greg Ammons

First Baptist Church, Garland

Karen Bolla, a researcher at Johns Hopkins University, conducted a study on forgetfulness. She discovered that everyone forgets certain things. A person’s name is most commonly forgotten. Eighty-three percent of Americans forget people’s names. Have you ever forgotten whether you have done something or not? Well, don’t feel alone—38 percent of Americans have the same feeling.

Just before his crucifixion, Jesus warned his disciples about forgetfulness. As they gathered in the Upper Room to observe Passover, Jesus gave the meal a special significance. He used it as a visual aid to encourage his disciples to remember his atoning death for them.

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The Lord’s Supper is more than ritual (Luke 22:14-20)

Jesus and his disciples reclined at the table to celebrate the Passover meal. Jesus said, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer” (v. 15). He wanted them to know this meal would take on special significance. He took the cup and bread, gave thanks for them and gave them to the disciples.

Our Lord was instituting an observance for the disciples which would become an ordinance of the church. The Lord’s Supper meal is to be a time of reflection, not ritual.

There have been many interpretations by various groups through the years as to the meaning of the Lord’s Supper. Some view the meal as containing the actual body and blood of Jesus. Others feel Christ’s presence is represented in a special way at the observance.

However, Jesus was establishing a symbol of remembrance. His body was broken and his blood was shed for our salvation. His followers are to remember this wonderful event and celebrate it in his church.

Some people approach the Lord’s Supper in a ritualistic manner. They feel simply observing the ordinance saves them. However, Scripture makes it clear we are saved through faith alone and not of works (Ephesians 2:8-9).

On the opposite extreme, others observe the Lord’s Supper in a nonchalant manner. The supper is not to be observed in this manner either. Observance of communion is a wonderful way of remembering the cost of our salvation through symbol.

Greatness comes through serving (Luke 22:24-27)

After the Lord’s Supper, a dispute arose among Jesus’ disciples over greatness in the kingdom of God (v. 24). Jesus responded to their selfish desires by stating his followers do not gauge greatness like a pagan world measures it. Greatness in God’s kingdom is not gained by ruling, but by serving (vv. 25-27).

Our society today views greatness in different ways. Power, position, prestige and accomplishment all are worldly measurements of greatness. Service to God and humanity does not rank at the top of the list. Yet God still reminds us that he measures greatness through service.

General William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, was a devout follower of Jesus. He loved serving God through meeting human needs and serving his fellowman. Near the end of his life, General Booth lost his eyesight. When his son broke the news to him that doctors believed his vision loss was permanent, there was a long pause from the general. Finally, he said, “I have served God to the best of my ability these many years with my vision, and now I shall serve him to the best of my ability without my vision.” Booth understood his primary purpose, through both prosperity and adversity, was to serve God. Greatness comes through such devoted service.

Satan wants you to fail (Luke 22:31-34)

After the disciples’ dispute over greatness, Jesus turned to Peter and made an interesting statement. “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (vv. 31-32). Satan was the one who desired that Peter fail. Jesus made this fact clear.

Peter did not believe Jesus’ prophetic statement. “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death” (v. 33). But Jesus responded, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me” (v. 34). We know the outcome. Peter denied his Lord.

The evil one still desires that believers in Christ fail. He tries to convince us our failures are final. Yet Jesus wants us to know, like Peter, that there is still purpose and a mission for us.

One of the great hitters in Major League Baseball history was Babe Ruth. During his 22 seasons, he hit 714 home runs. Yet, some are surprised to know that Babe Ruth holds strikeout records as well. He struck out 1,316 times and still holds the record for five consecutive strikeouts in a single World Series game. Greatness still can be achieved even in the context of failure.

Discussion questions

• Do you remember Jesus’ death in meaningful ways?

• In what ways can you serve God better?

• In what ways have you seen Satan hinder the service of Christians?