Two Year Gospel Study Week 69

Up To Jerusalem - Teaching 11 Scripture Luke 22:31-34, John 13:31-37, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25, John 14:1-31, Hebrews 7:25 Up to Jerusalem is a story filled with tragedy and yet a story that is above all, a story of victory and hope and defeat of the devil! Pastor's teaching on Jesus' Last Supper continues with a look at 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 which documents the changes Jesus instituted in the Passover meal. As He breaks the 3rd piece of matzah Jesus says, "This is My body given for you." He's making it clear that what they have been celebrating for centuries is being fulfilled at that very moment. The fulfillment of the meal that had been celebrated for centuries - was changed because Jesus is the fulfillment - He is the Messiah. Then He takes the cup and says, "This is the New Covenant of My blood, poured out for you." This is the promised new covenant! There are three primary beliefs regarding the Lord's Supper:     1.    Transubstantiation - bread and wine change into the body and blood of Christ     2.    Real Presence - in a supernatural way Jesus is present in the bread and wine     3.    Symbolic Presence - bread and wine are a symbol of Jesus' body and blood Doctrine is critical and important, but Jesus makes it very clear on this night that what matters above all else is that we live out the truth of the New Covenant. That truth of the New Covenant is lived out by walking in the footsteps of our Savior's self sacrifice, in absolute love, and love for our enemies not just our friends and followers of Jesus. Though we may differ in how to interpret the Lord's Supper and what is received - what needs to bind us together is our common allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ, and our desire to carry out His will and His purpose.  His will and purpose is that we be one in Him  - one in Him to win the world back to Him. As we look at what Jesus will suffer this night, we see that He endured so much for us but His suffering resulted in His glorification and this gives our struggles, sufferings and persecutions purpose. We know that because Jesus loves us so much He was willing to endure the cross that ended in victory over the grave - we know He has the power to take our suffering and turn it around for final victory for us as well. We too will triumph! As the meal continues Jesus gives them a new command, "Love one another as I love you." The depth of God's love is revealed in the gift of Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross - this is love - and we are to love to that depth. Then Jesus tells Peter He is praying for him - and we know Jesus prays for us too.  It says in Hebrews 7:25 "He (Jesus) always lives to intercede (pray) for them (those who come to God through Him)." We also know the Holy Spirit prays for us too. Romans 8:26-27 "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God."  What incredible comfort that is - full of strength and encouragement - to know we have the best prayer partners in the universe! As the story continues Jesus tells Peter he will deny Him three times.  Pastor shares some interesting information around the meaning of "rooster crows." Our time together ends with Thomas asking, "How do we know the way to God?" The answer for every person on the planet is found in Jesus' answer, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Under the blood of Jesus we have EVERYTHING!! Pastor Dodge concludes with encouragement to read John chapters 14-17 as these are the important words of Jesus the evening of His arrest and in these words He shows us what should mean the most to us: love, the Holy Spirit, prayer, trusting God and bearing fruit for Jesus. Jesus encourages us with these words, "Do not let your hearts be troubled."  All of His words are for us still today!  Our website –  https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01 Up to Jerusalem is a study of the final weeks of Jesus' ministry concluding with His resurrection and ascension, using the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John together with material from ancient sources and recent discoveries.  Up to Jerusalem is part four of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. Up To Jerusalem is the story of the plan of God to redeem the world, and the story of a Savior willing to obey the Father's plan. As we study Jesus' final days, we will be impacted as we discover the Love of God for each one of us.  This study is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time.