To teach how faith and our gratitude pleases Him.

To teach of the danger of Christ's rejection.

To teach the prerequisites of Lord's Supper observance.

To teach the importance of Lord's Supper observance.

To teach the severity of the Gethsemane experience and that He endured it "for us".

INTRODUCTION: The time of Jesus death is drawing nearer. He is now going into Jerusalem each day and retiring each evening to Bethany and the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. The events of this lesson occurred on the day before His crucifixion. By His words and actions, He taught His followers some important truths.

Vs. 1&2 -- The feast of the Passover referred to the Passover day and the feast of Unleavened bread which began with the Passover and lasted for seven days. The Passover taught of Christ's coming to die (I. Corinthians 5:7) and the feast of Unleavened bread taught that we (after His death) are to feast on Him throughout our lives. Note: It was for seven days, the perfect number. Our lesson covers the events of the first day and the day of the crucifixion covers the second day and the feast of the Passover began at sundown following His death. They did not want to put Him to death on the Passover day. To fulfill scripture, He must die while the Passover lambs were being slain and this He did.

Vs. 3 -- In all probability Simon had been healed by Jesus and this meal was in appreciation and to honor Him. Mary was there and she broke the alabaster box. John 12:3. The ointment represented a full year's wages.

Vs. 4-9 -- Some looked on this act as wasteful. But Jesus came to her behalf and commended her act. She showed faith for she was acknowledging that He was to die and she was showing her gratitude. (Verse 8 -- my body to the burying). Note: Verse 7 -- "Ye have the poor with you always". This will always be so in spite of the anti-poverty programs.

Vs. 9 -- Faith and gratitude will be greatly rewarded by the Saviour. She did all she could. Can that be said of you?

Vs. 12 -- The Jews had begun (according to Dr. John Rice) to observe the day before the actual slaying of the Passover Lamb as a day when only unleavened bread was used in their homes. We know Jesus was crucified while Passover Lambs were being slain. John 19:14, 31. The scriptures indicate they were slaying lambs on the two days prior to the Passover day, Luke 22:7-13.

Vs. 13 -- A man bearing a pitcher of water would be unusual, for women did that, but Jesus knew ahead of time, for He was God.

Vs. 14 -- The good man of the house was probably a Christian but he was not invited to the Lord's Supper. Every saved person is not privileged to partake of the Lord's Supper. To do so a person must be saved, baptized (scripturally), continuing in Bible doctrine, in fellowship (that is a member of that church), and in a right relationship with the Lord. Acts 2:41, 42; I Corinthians 11:23-34.

Vs. 22 -- The Lord's Supper would now take the place of the Passover. The Passover looked forward to Christ's death and now the Lord's Supper causes us to look back. The Bread symbolizes and reminds us of His body which was broken for us.

Vs. 23 -- The Cup referred to juice from the fruit of the vine (grapes) and symbolized His blood which was shed for us. When we take the Lord's Supper, these elements don't become His body and blood, they just symbolize it. Illustrate with a picture of someone. Eg. This is my daughter.   This is not my daughter but a picture of my daughter.

Vs. 24 -- CF. Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8:8-12; 9:1-28.

Vs. 25 -- The Lord's Supper reminds us of His death and His second coming.

The Bible is God's Word. II. Timothy 3:16, 17. Being God's Word it is His Word. John 12:48; 1:1,14.

Vs. 27 -- A quotation of Zechariah 13:7

Vs. 28 -- A promise. CF. Matthew 28:10

Vs. 29 -- "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed, lest he fall."

Vs. 30&31 -- John 18:15-27

Vs. 32 -- Gethsemane means "Oil Press".

Vs. 33 -- The inner circle disciples were permitted to go further with the Lord than the others. This is true

now. Further in suffering and service but greater will be the rewards.

Vs. 34-36 -- In the cup, He saw the horrors of the next day when He would be forsaken by the Father as He took the punishment for the sins of every individual from Adam to eternity. He prayed, "If there be any other way to save them, let's do it." But there was no other way, so He was willing and submissive to the Father's will. Aren't you glad He was?

Vs. 37-42 -- Three times, while in great agony, as Satan sought to kill Him, He prayed and God, the Father gave the victory and angels attended Him. CF. Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-46. The disciples couldn't go all the way with Jesus. He had to bear our burden alone. The disciples did fail Him. When He needed their company, companionship, they failed Him. I wonder if we don't fail Him far too much. We don't watch and pray like we should. We must, though, for our flesh is so weak.

CONCLUSION: Let us heed His teaching. Let's put Him first in our life like Mary and show Him our gratefulness by real sacrifice. Let's warn the lost about betraying Him. Let's observe the Lord's Supper. Let's watch and be expecting His coming. Let's serve Him alertly and pray for strength and wisdom.