A Hint of Things to Come, Maundy Thursday, part 2

Go to Part One, In Remembrace, Maundy Thursday, part 1

Part 2

On the first day of Passover, the Festival of Unleavened Bread, Jesus and His Disciples prepared to take the Passover Meal together. As usual, an unblemished lamb was sacrificed for the meal. But although the disciples had no idea, this year, there would be two sacrificial lambs. 

During the meal, Jesus said something that didn’t make sense to them… at the time.  “Before I suffer?” “Until the kingdom of God comes?” What could He mean? Things were going so well. Just days before, He rode into town amidst shouts of praise, “Hosanna!” 

When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.  For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”

After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”    (Luke 22:14-18)

Then He told them that one of them would betray Him. In addition, another would deny Him three times before the morning. They were stunned and unbelieving.  Yet it was true. 

But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table.  The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed.  But woe to that man who betrays him!” They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.    (Luke 22: 21-22)