The Agony and Intimacy of Jesus' Last Hours: Last Supper & Gethsemane (Ep 144)
Join hosts Mike Crump and Pastor Nathan Smith on Focused on Christ as they dive into the profound moments leading up to Jesus' crucifixion during Passion Week. This episode explores the Last Supper (Passover) and the deeply significant Prayer in Gethsemane.
We begin by discussing the Passover—the major redemptive event of the Old Testament—where the blood of a lamb on the doorposts caused the destroying angel to "pass over". This event is a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice.
The Betrayer: Jesus reveals that one of the Twelve will betray him during this sacred meal, highlighting the intimacy of their relationship and the tragedy of Judas. The disciples' confusion shows that Judas was a remarkably good deceiver.
Institution of Communion: Jesus links the new covenant in his blood directly to the Passover, identifying himself as the fulfillment of millennia of promise. Taking communion is an outward display of recognizing Jesus as "the one," bonding believers to Christ and to one another.
Peter's Denial Foretold: As they head toward the Mount of Olives, Jesus predicts that Peter will deny him three times. This rebuke serves as a kindness, showing Jesus' foreknowledge and his determined plan to forgive and restore Peter, fulfilling the promise that he will lose none of his own.
The episode concludes in the Garden of Gethsemane, a moment considered one of the "holy of holies of Scripture".
"Remove This Cup": Jesus prays, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done". This demonstrates Jesus' real volition and obedience to the Father's will, even when the asking is death.
Profound Agony: Jesus' distress was so severe his sweat became like great drops of blood. The agony points to a suffering deeper than mere physical pain.
Death of the Soul: The suffering involved Jesus laying bare or opening up his soul—the very core, essential, and eternal aspect of his being—to death. His "sole death" on the cross was far worse than the physical death.
Meditating on these events fuels worship and love for Christ, reminding the church that there is "no higher glory" than reflecting on what Jesus endured to pay our debt of sin.
Next Week: We will eavesdrop on the trial of Jesus before the religious leaders.
Focused on Christ is a ministry of Heritage Baptist Church.
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