money

The Last Supper: Part Seven

by

Scripture Used to Create “The Last Supper” Splice Series

 

Matthew 26:17-36 (Greek Text Analysis starting with Matthew 26:17)

Mark 14:12-32 (Greek Text Analysis starting with Mark 14:12)

Luke 22:7-39(Greek Text Analysis starting with Luke 22:7)

John 13:1-18:1 (Greek Text Analysis starting with John 13:1)

 

Need to catch up first? To read the Splice “The Last Supper: Part Six”, click here.

 

Psalm 84:11
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

 

THE SPLICE

1 Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You, even as 2 You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, 3 He may give eternal life. This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and 4 Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do. Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the 5 glory which I had with You before the world was. I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. Now they have come to know that everything You have given Me is from You; for the words which You gave Me I have given to them; and they received them and truly understood that I came forth from You, and they believed that You sent Me.  I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world, but of those whom  You have given Me; for they are Yours; and all things that are Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine; and I have been glorified in them. I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are. While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me; and I guarded them and not one of them 6 perished but 7 the son of perdition, so that the 8 Scripture would be fulfilled. But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 9 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me 10 through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for  You loved Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, although the world has not known You, yet I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me; and I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” And He said to them, “When I sent you out 11 without money belt and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?” They said, “No, nothing.” And He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money belt is to 12 take it along , likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one. For I tell you that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, 13 AND HE WAS NUMBERED WITH TRANSGRESSORS; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment.” They said, “Lord, look, here are 14 two swords.” And He said to them, 15 “It is enough.” He went forth with His 16 disciples over the 17 ravine of the Kidron, to the 18 Mount of Olives where there was a garden, a place called 19 Gethsemane, in which He entered with His disciples. When He arrived at the place, He said to His disciples, 20“Sit here while I go over there and pray; Sit here until I have prayed. Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

Want to continue reading? To read the Splice “Prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane”, click here

 

NOTES

 

1 Jesus spoke these things: This prayer from Jesus makes up the whole of John 17. The group had not yet arrived at the Mount of Olives (see John 18:1).  Jesus doesn’t need to remind God the Father that all things are Jesus’s and God’s together (John 17:10) or that Jesus has guarded His disciples from death (John 17:12) or that God has loved Him from before the beginning of the world (John 17:24). By the wording and the repeating of words and ideas, we can conclude that this prayer is said out loud for the disciples’ benefit, so that they can comprehend their protection, the fulfillment of Scripture, and the glory belonging to Jesus. (BACK)

2 You gave Him authority: The crowds that Jesus had been healing and teaching had definitely noticed how He had authority, and they were amazed by it (see Matthew 7:28-29; 9:6-8; Mark 1:27). Jesus even delegated some of that authority to His disciples earlier in His ministry (Matthew 10:1).(BACK)

3 He may give eternal life: : From John 17:2. John wrote his entire gospel, so that people may understand this truth, that they can have eternal life in Jesus Christ (John 20:30-31). Also see John 3:14-18, 36; 5:24; 6:40; 1 John 5:11-13.(BACK)

4 Jesus Christ: : The name Jesus in the Greek is Iésous and means “Jesus”. It’s Hebrew form is Yehoshua or Joshua, which means “Yahweh delivers/saves”. The title of Christ in the Greek is Christos and it means “Christ, Anointed One, Messiah”. It’s corresponding Hebrew term is mashiach.  (BACK)

5 glory with I had with You before the world was: : From John 17:5. The Greek word for glory is doxa and it means “glory, majesty, splendor, honor”. The eternality of God is mentioned throughout the Bible, including in Psalm 90, where it also mentions the transitory fate of human beings. (BACK)

6 perished: : From John 17:12. The Greek word for perished is apollumi and it means “lose (by death), perish, destroy”. The word has the feel of a complete loss and ruin. This kind of destruction is irreversible. It can be applied to both the physical world and spiritual world. (BACK)

7 the son of perdition: Judas Iscariot is the son of perdition. The Greek word used for perdition is apóleia and it means “destruction, perdition”.(BACK)

8 Scripture would be fulfilled: : The Scripture Jesus is making reference to is Psalm 41:9. (BACK)

9 Sanctify them in the truth: : The Greek word for sanctify is hagiazó and it means “to set apart, make holy”. Making someone (or something) holy means to dedicate that person (or thing) to God. (BACK)

10 through their word: This would mean believers today, as well. When we read the books of Matthew, John, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John and Revelation, we are hearing about Jesus and believing in Him through their (written) word. (BACK)

11 without money belt: From Luke 22:35. The  recorded “sending out” of the Twelve in the Bible can be found in Matthew 10; Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:1-6. There were 72 others that were sent out, as recorded in Luke 10:1-24.  Please note, that some English translations say that “seventy” were sent out in Luke 10:1, but the Greek is very clear that 72 were sent by Jesus. It is possible that Jesus sent the disciples out to the cities several times over the years of His ministry, with similar instructions or with variations to the instructions, as His instructions to the Twelve and then to the other 72 are very similar. Regardless, Jesus is reminding the disciples that they were (miraculously) provided for by Him when they had absolutely nothing with them. (BACK)

12 take it along: From Luke 22:36. Jesus is reiterating for the disciples that He is now going away, as the follow up sentence tells us in Luke 22:37. Since Jesus was now going away, He would not be there anymore to make the miracles happen, miracles such as not having to provide one single thing for themselves on a trip, not even money. Having the disciples now bring their money with them doesn’t mean that Jesus was telling the disciples that God wouldn’t provide for them anymore or that “God helps those who help themselves” (which is not a Biblical statement). God provides for His people and we are to do logically sound things, such as bring money with on a trip.  (BACK)

13 AND HE WAS NUMBERED WITH TRANSGRESSORS: from Isaiah 53:12  (BACK)

14 two swords: Jesus had no need for weapons against beast, man or otherwise (see Matthew 26:52-53). The swords were small, possibly more like daggers. The Greek word used to describe them in Luke 22:36, 38 is machaira which means “a short sword or dagger”. These were multi-functionary tools, but they were used as weapons, too. This statement from Jesus is not permission to use weapons in some sort of justice seeking mission or even in self-defense (see Matthew 5:38-39; 26:52). The sword of the faithful and devoted person to Christ is the word of God, see Ephesians 6:17. (BACK)

15 “It is enough”: From Luke 22:38. The Greek word used for enough is hikanos and it means “enough, sufficient, adequate”.  See Note 14 for more on the swords. (BACK)

16 disciples: It is assumed that only the remaining eleven inner circle disciples were with Jesus in Gethsemane. It is very possible that this is the case, but Jesus had more than just the immediate twelve disciples traveling with Him during His entire ministry, including at this time. There were also several women from Galilee, following along as He traveled, taught, and performed miracles (Luke 8:1-3, 23:55, Mark 15:41). It is possible that these women were present at the Passover meal. It is possible that, if the women were at the Passover meal, they went with to Gethsemane. The Bible doesn’t say anything about these possibilities. The Bible does mention women lamenting and mourning Him on the road to Golgotha where He was crucified, which possibly included the ladies that followed Him (Luke 23:27). Several women who followed Him throughout His ministry are specifically mentioned at the cross (Matthew 27:55-56; Mark 15:40-41; John 19:25), at His burial (Matthew 27:61; Mark 15:47) and then, at His resurrection (Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-11, Luke 24:1-11; John 20:1-18). (BACK)

17 ravine of the Kidron: John 18:1. The Greek text says “winter stream of Kidron”, and it is called this because the stream would be full and flowing through the rainy (autumn through spring) season, and otherwise it is absorbed into the landscape. Roughly 1,000 years earlier, King David also crossed over the ravine/stream/brook/valley, traveling up to the summit of Mount Olive to meet God’s will in 2 Samuel 15:23-30. The stream is also mentioned as a place of throwing away of the ashes of idols and altars in 1 Kings 15:13/2 Chronicles 15:16; 2 Kings 23:6, 12; 2 Chronicles 30:14. In Jeremiah 31:40, God uses the stream as part of His measurement of land that will eventually be made holy to Him forever. Today, Kidron Valley runs with open sewage from Jerusalem.  (BACK)

18 Mount of Olives: : The Mount of Olives is mentioned many times during Jesus’s ministry, the most recognized being what is commonly called the Olivet Discourse (See Matthew 24:3-25:46; Mark 13:3-37; Luke 21:7-36). In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus teaches John, James, Andrew and Peter (and possibly any others who were within hearing distance) about His Parousia, the tribulation that must occur beforehand and He instructs them (and us: “let the reader understand” — Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14) to be prepared and alert for His return. Today, the Mount of Olives is a heavily visited landmark. If you decide to take a tour, you can see the Jewish cemetery which has centuries-old gravesites, the Garden of Gethsemane at it’s western base, and a number of churches. Some guides mention that the view of Jerusalem, as well as the surrounding dessert, is the best from the mountain’s top.  (BACK)

19 Gethsemane: The Garden of Gethsemane is located on the west-side slope of the Mount of Olives. It does still have olive trees in it, although (very sadly) none quite as old as 2,000 years old. You can go there for free and wander about, but there are also guided tours for hire, which usually include a tour of Gethsemane as a part of their Mount of Olives tour. (BACK)

20 “Sit here…”: Matthew 26:36 says “Sit here while I go over there and pray” and Mark 14:32 says “Sit here until I have prayed”, with minor variations for the different English translations. Luke 22:40 says that when Jesus and the disciples arrived at “the place”, He instructed them to “Pray that you may not enter into temptation”. (BACK)

The Last Supper: Part Two

by

Scripture Used to Create “The Last Supper” Splice Series

Matthew 26:17-36 (Greek Text Analysis starting with Matthew 26:17)

Mark 14:12-32 (Greek Text Analysis starting with Mark 14:12)

Luke 22:7-40 (Greek Text Analysis starting with Luke 22:7)

John 13:1-18:1 (Greek Text Analysis starting with John 13:1)

 

Need to catch up first? To read the Splice “The Last Supper: Part One”, click here

 

Psalm 41:9
Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.

 

THE SPLICE

While they were eating, 1 Jesus took some bread and after a blessing and having given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take it and eat; 2 this is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” And in the same way, after they had eaten, He took the cup, and giving thanks, and He gave it to them saying, while they all drank from it, “Drink from it, all of you; this cup which is poured out for you is the 3 new covenant in My blood; My blood of the covenant, which is poured out 4 for many for forgiveness of sins; 5 do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me. But behold, the hand of the one betraying Me is with Mine on the table.” And they began to discuss among themselves which one of them it might be who was going to do this thing. And there arose also 6 a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest. Jesus had dipped the morsel and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 7 After the morsel, Satan then entered into Judas. Therefore Jesus said to Judas, “What you do, do quickly.” 8 Now no one of those reclining at the table knew for what purpose He had said this to him. For some were supposing, because 9 Judas had the money box, that Jesus was saying to him, “Buy the things we have need of 10 for the feast” or else, that he should give something to the poor. So after receiving the morsel Judas went out immediately; and it was night.

 

 

Want to continue reading? To read the Splice “The Last Supper: Part Three” click here

 

 

NOTES

1  Jesus took some bread: Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, and Luke 22:17-20 introduce us to the memorial of Holy Communion. John does not mention it at all. Because of Luke’s account (particularly in verse 21 with the usage of the Greek word meta), we could, with relative confidence, list Judas as “in attendance” for this church-wide ordinance, with the understanding that the Bible does not explicitly give the particulars of his whereabouts during that aspect of the night. (Back)

2 this is My body which is given for you: There are certain Christian sects that insist that this is a literal transformation: that the communion wafer turns into the actual body of Jesus, and the wine turns into the actual blood of Jesus, during Holy Communion. This idea is called transubstantiation. Holy Communion is a symbolic, not a literal, transformation. First of all, cannibalism is spoken of as a judgment from God in the Bible, and therefore by extension, forbidden as a practice for God-fearing people (Jeremiah 19:9; Ezekiel 5:10; Micah 3:3-4) and Jesus would never entertain forbidden practices (John 8:29) or introduce them into the church. Drinking animal blood is forbidden, much less from human beings (Leviticus 17:14). Jesus Himself tells us that the eating of His flesh and drinking of His blood is a metaphoric idea: He has come down from heaven and is the Way to eternal life with God, as explained in John 6:41-65. Plus, you can see it in your hand and taste it in your mouth. It’s unleavened bread in the form of oyster crackers (or whatever your church uses) and grape juice (or wine) in a tiny cup. (Back)

3 new covenant in My blood: There was an original or old covenant with the people of Israel, see Exodus 24, in particular verses 6-8. Hebrews 9 and 10:1-18 give a thorough explanation on the old and new covenants. Jesus’s sacrifice is once and for all (Hebrews 10:10) and there is no need to sacrifice any animals, especially since their blood never took away sins (Hebrews 10:4). Why have the old covenant, with the Law of God and animal sacrifices in the first place? The Law shows us that we are sinners and are under judgment by God (Romans 3:19-20). The animal sacrifices show that only blood will atone for sin (Hebrews 9:22). The old covenant was a preview of the perfect covenant in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:4-10). (Back)

4 for many for forgiveness of sins: This is only applicable to those who will accept the forgiveness, not a blanket statement for everyone in the entire world (Hebrews 10:26-30, 1 John 1:9). Forgiveness is offered to the entire world (John 3:16), and God doesn’t want anyone to perish in hell (1 Timothy 2:4), but many just won’t let go of their own ideals/identities, admit to their sin (1 John 1:8, 10) and repent of their sin (Luke 5:32), and take the only Way to God (Matthew 7:13-14; John 14:6). If we confess our sins (this is a part of repentance), acknowledging that God is right and we are wrong, He is faithful to forgive us (1 John 1:9). (Back)

5  do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me: This instruction of Jesus’s is from 1 Corinthians 11:25. None of the gospel writers include this statement in their accounts, but Paul received this information from Jesus Himself. Luke does include Jesus’s words “in remembrance of Me” concerning the bread, but not the wine, in Luke 22:19. See 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 for Paul’s account. (Back)

6  a dispute among them: From Luke 22:24. It is possible that the disciples were debating for someone other than themselves (John arguing Peter’s merits, for example), but human nature says that they were arguing the case for themselves (John for John’s merits, Peter for Peter’s merits). This seems especially probable, as they have had these arguments before (Luke 9:46-48). And then, there was that audacious request from the Zebedee family: that Jesus would seat John and James at Jesus’s right and left hand (Matthew 20:20-28; Mark 10:35-45) in His kingdom.  The argument of “I am the best” would be what the world calls “tooting your own horn”. In reality, it is a gross and blatant display of pride. Pride is a world view and is not of God (Proverbs 11:2, 25:27; 2 Corinthians 10:18; 1 Peter 5:5.  (Back)

7  After the morsel: This is from John 13:26-27.  It never says if Judas actually eats this bit of food.  (Back)

8  Now no one of those reclining at the table knew for what purpose He had said this to him: Did the others not see the morsel passed or hear the conversation? It would seem that the words of Jesus and the action of giving the morsel would be enough to give a hint as to who the culprit is. Perhaps they were purposely blinded from the meaning of the conversation, as a provision from God, so that they would not try to stop Judas. (see Note 29 in The Last Supper: Part One) (Back)

9 Judas had the money box: The money box was full of donations, and the donations we know about are from women (Luke 8:3). Judas’s grip on the money box began long before this night (John 12:4-6). Also see 1 Timothy 6:9-10. (Back)

10 for the feast: Passover is a feast that lasts for seven days. There is the first night of Passover (on the 14th), where the lamb is eaten, along with the bitter herbs. The next day, on the 15th, The Feast of Unleavened Bread is observed. Since the Passover meal has already been consumed, it is possible that the feast meant is for the next day/rest of the days of Passover. See Exodus 12:1-20; Leviticus 23:5-6; Numbers 28:16-25; Deuteronomy 16:1-8; Ezekiel 45:21. (Back)