1. Matthew 26: 17-30

2.  Jesus obediently moving toward the cross.  Passover celebrated with family – Jesus and Disciples previewing new family of God  “My time is near” means his death, kairos refers to decisive moment in time or history or a life!  At sundown Thursday, they relax for the Passover meal.  …till Jesus mentions betrayal – breaks joy...  Each asks Jesus ‘Surely not I?’

3.  V. 24 reaffirms coming events are God’s will and predicted in Scripture.  Only Judas calls Jesus ‘Rabbi’, others ‘Lord’.  With “You said it”, Judas indicts himself and leaves knowing Jesus knows what he’s up to.  Jesus begins with prayer and bread breaking  And puts new meaning in the bread.  No one would have taken him literally, it’s a symbol!  The ‘cup’ is the third of four in the meal…

4.  Each ‘cup’ linked to a sentence in Exodus 6:6-7a, so third is “I will redeem you”  And more new meaning, his ‘blood of the covenant’, his death to pay for sin.  This is Jeremiah’s new covenant (31:31-34)  V. 29 is of Jesus departure AND return!  Paul later added important phrase, “do this in remembrance of me.”  Matthew gives us two key reasons, one looks back and one looks forward.

5.  First, Jesus’ redemptive death for us!  Second, Jesus glorious return with the redeemed!  After singing ‘ Hallel (praise) Psalms (115- 118), they went to Mount of Olives.  Everything Jesus did and taught will this night and the next day(s) reaches climax.  We must remember it all!  He nourishes us spiritually when we celebrate this in faith!