Matthew 26:17-29 (ESV)
The Passover with the Disciples
Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’” And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.
When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.”
Institution of the Lord's Supper
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.”
Study Guide Questions:
Observation Questions
Observation Questions focus on gathering facts and identifying key details. This can include repeated words, themes, and characters). Observation asks "what does the text say?" not "what does the text mean?" It is not intended to go into interpretation or life application yet. Observations provide a crucial foundation for accurate interpretation and application, preventing misconceptions.
What observations do you note in today's passage?
Please note that these questions are intended to help the community group member learn what types observations could be made in the passage...
In Matthew 26, how do the disciples respond when Jesus announces that one of them will betray him, and how is Judas’s question different from theirs?
What actions does Jesus take with the bread and cup, and what does he say each element represents?
According to 1 Corinthians 11:27–29, what is a person called to do before eating the bread and drinking the cup?
Interpretation Questions
Interpretation Questions focus on interpreting what has been observed. The goal is to try to understand the original author's intended meaning and purpose for the intended audience. Interpretation bridges observations with life applications. It will consider key terms, explores context, and answers "why" to uncover the main point.
What are some key points that resonated with you from the message or from your observations above?
Discuss the relationship between the Passover lamb the cup Jesus blesses and passes to His disciples.
Discuss the significance of Jesus's announcement of betrayal in the middle of this meal of grace.
Discuss the significance of the disciples response to Jesus's accusation that someone would betray Him. (Hint: some call Him Lord, one calls Him teacher.)
Life Application Questions
Life Application questions are intended to transform knowledge gleaned from observations and interpretations to practical application in your life. These questions are intended to move the facilitator and the participant from understanding what the text meant to how it applies to daily life. Life application questions are intended to transform listeners into doers, bridging biblical truth with current circumstances to foster personal transformation and spiritual maturity.
What is your key take away from the message?
God’s plan of redemption cannot be stopped. What (if any) trial, disappointment, or fear is making it difficult to trust that God is still at work, and what would it look like to bring that honestly to Christ?
“Is it I, Lord?” This points to a moment of self-reflection and honest confession. Where is God inviting honest confession rather than excuses, hiding, or comparison with others?
It's possible to have a relationship with Jesus and not be redeemed by Jesus. Might this be you?
Jesus’ gentle words to Judas show that, while there is breath, there is still an invitation to repent. Is there a sin, pattern, or secret that has felt too entrenched to bring into the light? What would a first step of turning to Jesus look like this week?