Additional Resources - Remembering Jesus, Outline 1

INTRODUCTION

The kind of God we serve is reflected in the Lord's Supper
The kind of people we are is reflected in how we perceive and partake of the Lord's Supper
Our study of the Lord's Supper will include:
1. Background
2. Its Institution and Importance
3. Some Abuses of Its Observance and Their Causes
4. Biblical Correctives for Those Who Desecrate It
5. Instructions and Warnings
6. Review, Suggestions, and Conclusion

THE LORD'S SUPPER EMERGES OUT OF THE PASSOVER; THEREFORE, THE PASSOVER IS BACKGROUND
1. The Old Testament picture of the Passover is revealed in the following sketch:
  1. The inauguration of the Passover is described in Ex. 12
  2. The Israelites showed their dedication to its observance throughout Old Testament history
    1. During the 2nd year of their exodus, Num. 9:1-14
    2. During the invasion of Canaan under Joshua, Josh. 5:10-12
    3. During the days of king Solomon, II Chron. 8:12-13
    4. During the days of king Hezekiah, II Chron. 30
    5. During the great reform movement of king Josiah, II Kgs. 23:23
    6. During the days of the returned exiles, Ezra 6:19-22
  3. There is also evidence that the Jews of the Diaspora kept the Passover during the period between the Testaments
THE PICTURE OF THE PASSOVER OBSERVANCE IN JUDAISM IS REVEALED IN THE MISHNAH
1. By the middle of the 2nd century B.C., the Jewish people were becoming pluralistic and sectarian
2. Although written down beginning in the early 3rd century A.D., the Mishnah records the oral teachings and traditions of the Rabbis concerning a multitude of things, including the obser- vance of the Passover as it was practiced during the time of Jesus. (See Herbert Danby, translator, The Mishnah, pp. 136-151)

CONCLUSION

Passover was the first, and chief, of the Hebrew festivals
1. It was a time of promise, teaching, and remembering
2. In other words, it was central to their lives
Therefore, think of how laden with significance is the passage in Matt. 26:17-19