SURREY CHAPEL FELLOWSHIP GROUP NOTES – 24th/25th February 2016

Matthew 26 v 17 - 35
WHAT HAPPENED - - - AT SUPPER

PASSOVER This was the chosen time for Christ to die. He was the One to whom the Passover Lamb had always referred. The true Lamb of God would take away the sin of the world , see John 1v29.
Christ had always avoided His enemies’ plots to kill Him (note - -Luke 4v29-30; John 5v18; 10v39), but now it was His time. (v18).

PASSOVER PREPARED v 17-19
v17 -Note – the disciples came with the request to prepare and eat the meal with Jesus.
The 'first day' – the lamb was killed and the meal took place in the evening. This was followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread for 7 days (sometimes also referred to as the Passover).
v18 'My time is at hand' – Jesus is fully in control in the timing of His crucifixion (even if v3-5).
How were the disciples to recognize which man to meet? (Mark 14v13 & Luke 22v10)
Notice Jesus introduction at the meal – Luke 22 v 14-16

PASSOVER ANNOUNCEMENT v 20 – 25
'How to spoil a very special occasion'. v20-21 -must have been a bombshell!
What is the disciples' reaction? (v22) What does this show?
When we hear of a scandal in the church (ours or another) – how do we react?
Do we question 'who could have done that? (see Luke 22v23) Or is it more 'there go I but for the grace of God'? See Galatians 6 v 1-4 for further help.
v23-24 - - See how Jesus deals with it - - what do you learn from His way with Judas?
v25 - - for a fuller explanation see John 13v23-29 His question is a mockery, not genuine. How we need to be careful in our coming to communion – 1 Corinthians 11v26-29

PASSOVER CELEBRATED v 26 -29
See Exodus 12 for the Passover (reviewed in Deuteronomy 16v1-8)
What were the Israelites celebrating? What are we celebrating at Communion? 1 Corinthians11v23-26
Some have made this a ritual rather than a remembrance - - what are the dangers?
Look up Luke 22v14-16 for Jesus' introduction to the passover meal.
A simple meal -with far reaching meaning. What was Jesus really saying to the disciples as He gave them the bread and wine? (note the words 'for you! Luke 22v19-20)
A good hymn to reflect on (worth reading out) - 'Here O my Lord' 230 Mission Praise.

PETER'S DENIAL PREDICTED v 30 -35
How often have you said 'I'll never do a thing like that'?
Read Jesus warning v31 in Amplified Bible. Jesus knows His sheep (John 10v14)
v32 The disciples seem to overlook what Jesus is saying. What encouragement do you find here?
v33 Peter is astounded that Jesus could ever doubt his love for Him -and speaks up personally.
v34 Jesus shows how well He knows Peter and also knows the future.
v35 Hadn't Jesus been right before - - so why does Peter 'dig his feet in'?
Don't be too hard on Peter - - see how the verse ends!!! See also 1 Corinthians 10 (especially v11-12)
We are really no better then Peter - – let's make our prayer Jude 24-25.
												DJ

PRAYER POINTS :
Life and witness of Surrey Chapel.
Pastor Tom, Asst Pastor Gary, Youth Worker Matt, Women's worker Bev.