Iran election protesters set to defy supreme leader

Gay marriage could soon become the law of the land across New England — except in the heavily Roman Catholic state of Rhode Island.

A string of sudden successes for gay marriage advocates has left Rhode Island a political outlier. Maine became the fourth state in New England to legalize same-sex unions on Wednesday, while New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch is now deciding whether to sign similar legislation.

Vermont lawmakers established gay marriage last month, following a path already set by courts in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Yet the movement has stalled in Rhode Island, perhaps even lost ground, after a stalemate at the Statehouse, a loss in the state’s top court and continued opposition from religious leaders.

“I do not hear voices raised, voices stating absolutely that this just cannot do,” said Cassandra Ormiston, 62, a lesbian who could not get divorced in Rhode Island after she and her partner married in Massachusetts. “It is not enough to be patient.”

Religion remains among the biggest hurdles. A recent survey by Trinity College in Connecticut showed 46 percent of Rhode Islanders identify themselves as Roman Catholic, a larger percentage than any other state.

Given its size, the church carries political clout. On the last Inauguration Day, every statewide elected official began the morning with a special Mass at the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul, celebrated by Bishop Thomas Tobin.

Tobin does not hesitate to tussle with politicians, especially on gay marriage. He calls gay unions a perversion of natural law and a violation of an institution that Catholics believe was created by God.

Two years ago, he harshly criticized Attorney General Patrick Lynch, a Catholic, for advising state agencies to recognize the marriages of gay couples wed outside Rhode Island.

“We don’t see it as a civil rights issue,” Tobin said in a recent interview, “because there’s never a right to do something that’s morally wrong.”

Bills legalizing gay marriage have been introduced in the Statehouse every year since 1997. None has ever been approved by a legislative committee, required before those bills could be aired on the full floor.

House Speaker William Murphy and Senate President M. Teresa Paiva-Weed, both Democrats and Catholics, oppose gay marriage.

The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Rhoda Perry, a Democrat from Providence, does not expect to get a vote this year. She believes legislative leaders are trying to shield fellow lawmakers from a fractious debate.

“You know your numbers,” Perry said. “So why make anyone even have to vote on something that at least some of their constituents will be upset about if you already know the votes aren’t there.”

Even if a simple majority of lawmakers backed Perry’s bill, Republican Gov. Don Carcieri — another Catholic — would almost certainly veto it. Overriding a veto requires the support of 60 percent of lawmakers in each chamber.

Courts legalized gay marriage in Massachusetts and Connecticut, but that avenue seems unlikely in Rhode Island.

In 2007, Rhode Island’s Supreme Court refused to let Ormiston divorce her wife, Margaret Chambers. The couple lived in Rhode Island but married across the border in Massachusetts.

In its ruling, the court said it could not grant a divorce because Rhode Island lawmakers have never recognized marriage as anything but a union between a man and a woman.

Frustrated with the slow pace in Rhode Island, Ormiston is parting ways with Marriage Equality Rhode Island, which has locally advocated for gay marriage, and starting a new organization, called Equality Rising, to push harder.

“It is not enough to wait until we no longer have opposition,” she said.

It might become slightly easier for those looking to legalize gay marriage in Rhode Island when Carcieri finishes his second and final term as governor in January 2011. Potential candidates including former Sen. Lincoln Chafee, an independent, and Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts and Attorney General Patrick Lynch, both Democrats, support gay marriage.

General Treasurer Frank Caprio, also a Democrat, said he would not veto a gay marriage bill if he were elected governor.

Original URL: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/05/08/gay-marriage-momentum-new-england-stalls-rhode-island/

Luke 24:36-53, Key Verse: 24:46-47

“He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his names to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.’”

Last weekend we delved more deeply into the events and meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the two pillars of the New Testament and Christian faith. Jesus Christ died on a cross for our sins. Jesus was laid in a tomb. Then Jesus rose again from the dead on the third day. This is the gospel–the good news that has been preached from then until now. It is the gospel that will be preached until Jesus comes again. This is the good news that saves all who receive and believe it. May we all live every day with this good news in our hearts, in our feet and on our lips.

First, the empty tomb of Jesus (1-12). Although we will not study these verses in detail, it is good to review the events at Jesus’ tomb. Jesus’ dead body was taken down from the cross and buried in a tomb by Joseph of Arimathea. Mary Magdalene and several other women saw where his tomb was and how his dead body was laid in it. Then they went home for a day since it was Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. Early on Sunday morning, they went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ dead body. When they arrived, they found the tombstone rolled away from the tomb entrance and the body of the Lord Jesus was gone. Two men in gleaming clothes (actually angels) said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” The women went back to the Eleven apostles with this great news. But the apostles did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.

Today too, the resurrection of Jesus Christ sounds to many people like nonsense. Many skeptics have tried to explain away Jesus’ empty tomb. Some say that Jesus never died in the first place. But Jesus died on the cross. This was witnessed by Roman soldiers, by Jewish opponents, and by followers of Jesus. Others try to argue that someone stole the body. But the Romans and the Jews had nothing to gain by stealing the body and then concealing it, and Jesus’ disciples would not have proclaimed it with joy to their deaths. So stealing the body makes no sense and still would not explain the resurrection appearances of Jesus. Some propose they looked in the wrong tomb. That also would have been easily corrected by both friends and enemies of Jesus. There really remains only one logical conclusion to the empty tomb: Jesus Christ rose physically from the dead. Among all great men in history, only Jesus Christ rose from the dead. All the others were buried and decayed. The resurrection of Christ, the Holy One, was foretold by David in Psalm 16:10b. It reads, “…nor will you let your Holy One see decay.” Peter quoted this in his Pentecost sermon (Ac 2:31). Jesus’ tomb was empty, because Jesus rose from the dead, never to die again. Jesus is alive today, seated at the right hand of God the Father. From there, he will come again to judge the living and the dead. All who believe in Jesus, love and obey a living Lord, who is King of all kings and Lord of all lords. Christians do not worship a dead leader, but the Savior and Judge who is alive and who is coming again. Jesus will bring salvation to all who are waiting for him.

Second, risen Jesus teaches the Bible on the road (13-35). Luke’s gospel has one of the most interesting and surprising appearances of the risen Christ, who appears to two men as they are walking away from Jerusalem. Again, I don’t want to study this section in detail, but just note a few things. Luke records these two men, even though we only know one of their names–Cleopas–as the first ones to encounter the risen Christ. And they didn’t even recognize him for an hour’s walk! Why did Jesus appear to these two men? It’s not clear why risen Jesus chose to appear to these two men, but we can see a few things from his time with them. We see that Jesus turned their sorrow into joy and their lost hopes into new hope. They left Jerusalem sad, but after meeting the risen Christ, they became joyful, bold witnesses of Christ. Also, though their hopes in Jesus were dashed when Jesus died, the risen Jesus gave them new and living hope in the kingdom of God. Here I have to ask an important question. In what is your hope? If your hope is in something in the world, it is a dead or dying hope, because everything in this world dies some day: whether it’s wealth, or position, or pleasure, or another person–all of these perish, spoil and fade away some day.

Gary Habermas is a top scholar in defending the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He rarely loses a debate regarding the plausibility of the resurrection. But what really put his faith to the test was not academic but personal: his wife died of stomach cancer, leaving their four children for him to raise alone. His students asked him, “Believing the resurrection really makes a difference doesn’t it?” In the midst of his human sorrow, he wanted to ask God, “Why?” But he kept imagining God’s reply, “Did I raise my Son from the dead?” The powerful certainty and truth of the resurrection has comforted and cheered him continually in the realization that he will see his wife again, along with Jesus.

There is one more thing I want to note about the risen Jesus’ talk along the road with these two little-known disciples: Jesus did not try to convince them with physical evidence. Jesus tried to convince them with the word of God in the Hebrew Scriptures, which Christians now call the Old Testament. Jesus had a Genesis to Malachi Bible study on the road with these two men. Can you find Christ throughout the Old Testament? Try it some time. Jesus Christ is the offspring of woman in Genesis 3:15 who would crush the serpent’s head. He is alluded to in Abraham’s sacrifice of his one and only son, Isaac, and receiving him back on the third day. He is the Passover lamb, sacrificed for us. Listen to this prophecy of Daniel 7:13-14, “…there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”

Finally, while Jesus was breaking bread with the two in Emmaus, their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Here we see that burning-heart Bible study leads us to believe in Jesus, the Son of God, who died for our sins and rose again from the dead.

Third, the risen Christ appears to his disciples (36-49). We will look at this section more carefully. The two from Emmaus had just come back to Jerusalem and were talking with the Eleven apostles and some others. The Lord had also appeared to Simon, which Luke mentions but does not expound. Why did the risen Jesus delay appearing to the apostles, rather than going to them right away? Consider this: the women received the angels’ message: “He has risen!” and went and told the Eleven. Then the two on the road to Emmaus recognized Jesus and ran back to tell the Eleven. It seems then that Jesus was preparing the Eleven apostles with the testimony of others first. Look at verse 36. “While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’” Jesus gave them peace for their fearful and restless hearts. Sometimes I feel a distance from my children, perhaps because they might see me as a legalistic trainer with high expectations. Jesus is not legalistic like I am. Jesus blesses his people with peace–peace with God and peace with others. Remember the angel’s words at his birth: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” All people really want peace. Many people pray for world peace. I have heard that many Jewish people believe that the Messiah will bring world peace. I also heard of a recent peace conference with people excited about peace, although they weren’t quite sure how to bring it about. How can we experience this peace? Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Where Jesus is Lord, in one’s heart, in one’s family, there is peace. Jesus gives grace and peace to his people: peace with God, and peace with people.

How did this gathering of disciples respond to the risen Christ’s greeting of peace? Did they receive it? Verse 37 says they were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. Once when Jesus walked on water they had a similar response, thinking they saw a ghost. When people can’t explain some supernatural phenomenon, they often conclude it is a ghost or a spirit. But the risen Jesus was not a ghost. How did the risen Jesus try to convince them? He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” Risen Jesus showed them the nail scars in his hands and feet. Jesus gave them permission to touch him. Risen Jesus had a physical body, although it was glorified and immortal. Still, the disciples did not believe it because of joy and amazement. They were really slow to believe, even though they had seen so many miracles of Jesus, even the raising of 3 dead people by Jesus. So, to further demonstrate his bodily resurrection, risen Jesus asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence. Risen Jesus did not need the fish to survive. But he ate it to prove the physical reality of his resurrection. This, together with the fact of the empty tomb, destroys any notion that Jesus only rose spiritually from the dead. Jesus rose bodily from the grave.

So we have seen two evidences of Jesus’ resurrection thus far: the empty tomb and the physical evidence of Jesus’ bodily resurrection. There is another major evidence of Jesus’ resurrection: the Scriptures. The Scriptures foretold both his death and resurrection. Let’s read verse 44 together. “He said to them, ‘This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.’” Actually, Jesus had directly predicted his death and resurrection to his disciples at least three times before it happened. The first time was immediately after Peter confessed Jesus as “The Christ of God.” Jesus said in Luke 9:22, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” Again, before it happened, Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them in Luke 18:31-32, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.” But his disciples were quick to forget his words.

Not only Jesus’ own words, but the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms also foretold his death and resurrection. For example, Psalm 22 is perhaps the most amazing prophecy of Jesus’ suffering and death. This psalm, written by David 1000 years before Christ, begins with words that Jesus echoed from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mk 15:34; Mt 27:46) Psalm 22:7-8 speaks of his mockery and verse 18 to the casting of lots for his clothes. Isaiah 53, written around 700 B.C., is perhaps the greatest prophecy of the meaning of Jesus’ death. Isaiah 53:5-6 says, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

Verse 45 says, “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” Paul spoke of a veil over the hearts of unbelievers, that is only taken away in Christ, whenever anyone turns to the Lord (2Co 3:14). In a similar way, the disciples’ minds were opened when they saw the risen Christ and believed the resurrection. For example, before his death Jesus had publicly said, “Destroy this temple and I will raise it in three days.” After the resurrection, the disciples understood that Jesus was not talking about the temple building, but Jesus’ own body as the temple which would be resurrected on the third day.

The risen Jesus had more to say to his disciples. He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.” The risen Christ told them that they would be his witnesses. They were the ones who were to carry the gospel message to all nations. If not them, then who? What were they to preach in his name to all nations, that is, to all peoples and cultures on earth? Luke says, “repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations.” What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and self to God for salvation. For example, for one who trusts in his own goodness, effort, determination or relative righteousness, he must admit that he cannot save himself and rather trust Jesus for his salvation. One sinning sexually must repent and resolve to live a pure life by God’s grace and help. One young woman testified that she once believed her own plan would lead to happiness. But she repented and accepted Jesus’ way and command ahead of her own idea. Then she experienced the freedom of forgiveness–freedom from her shame, guilt and condemnation. The forgiveness of sins comes to those who repent and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ and who commit themselves to Jesus as the Lord of their lives. Acts 10:43 says, “All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” So many people are trusting in their own goodness to get to heaven, but their own goodness will not be enough. It is pride that hinders them. 1 Peter 5:5 says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” And Romans 10:13 reads, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Psalm 14:1 says, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” But, according to Luke 18:13-14, God will forgive one who prays, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 summarizes the gospel excellently: “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures…he was buried…he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” This is the gospel of salvation for all who believe. This is the good news that we must hold firmly to and that we are to proclaim faithfully and with love to a perishing and hopeless world.

The disciples were to proclaim this gospel “beginning at Jerusalem,” which is right where they were. If they did not spread the gospel, then who would proclaim the gospel? All who have hope and faith in Jesus Christ are privileged and obligated to proclaim the good news to those around them, right where they are. We are now among the students of Chicago, especially the students of Northwestern, UIC, Northeastern, Loyola, Oakton, Truman, and downtown campuses. If you do not share the gospel with them, who will? Let us each share the gospel with the people around us, beginning right where we are each day.

Risen Jesus had one more thing to say to his disciples. Look at verse 49. “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Here, Jesus was telling them to wait in Jerusalem for the gift of the Holy Spirit. They needed the presence and power of the Holy Spirit to live as witnesses of Jesus in a hostile and unbelieving world. We also each need the presence and power of the Holy Spirit to believe in Jesus, to love him and to live as his disciples. How can we receive the Holy Spirit? We must repent of our sins, believe and obey Jesus, and ask our Father in heaven for the gift of his Holy Spirit (Ac 2:38; 5:32; Lk 11:13).

Fourth, Jesus ascended into heaven. Luke records the departure of the risen Christ. If Jesus had not ascended into heaven, he would still be walking on earth today, for he could never die in his resurrection body. While blessing them, Jesus left them and was taken up into heaven. It sounds other-worldly that Jesus went up into the skies. But recall that the prophet Elijah was also taken up to heaven in a whirlwind and a chariot of fire. Jesus now sits at the right hand of God the Father in heaven. There are many promises in the Bible that Jesus will come again in power and glory to judge the living and the dead, and he will bring salvation to all who are waiting for him. This is our hope. This is our faith.

So what are the proofs of Jesus’ resurrection? The empty tomb, the physical evidence of eyewitnesses, and the prophecies in the Scriptures. There is one more: the changed lives of those who believe. Through faith and hope in Christ, the women’s sorrow was turned to joy and the men’s fear was turned to courage, peace and love. Through faith in Christ, Paul was changed from a murderous hater of Christians to a sacrificial, father-like shepherd for the church of God. I grew up in a Christian home. But when my dad died of a heart attack, I confessed 8 months later, “I don’t really believe in God. I don’t know what I believe.” A few days later, the joy of Jesus’ birth came to me. A few months after that, the truth of the resurrection came into my mind and heart. I understood for the first time personally: “There is no hope in this world, because everything in the world dies some day. The only living hope is Jesus Christ, because he rose from the dead.” Jesus became my hope. Since then I have shared the gospel with others, especially with Northwestern students as a Bible teacher and prayer servant. From time to time, I depend on my own strength or wisdom. At such times, I fall under some element of death, like laziness, lust, pride, indifference, anger, etc. Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God–through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior! (Ro 7:25) I still believe this is the message of salvation that must be believed and preached: Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead. For those who have faith and hope in Jesus, it is our privilege and obligation to share it with all the people around us, beginning right where we are. And this gospel will be preached in his name to all nations, until Jesus comes again. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Luke 22:1-23, Key Verse: 22:20

by kevin Albright

“In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’”

This coming weekend we will gather in groups at our Easter Bible conferences to learn more deeply the core of the Christian faith: Jesus’ death and resurrection. This is the gospel, the good news of God–through our Lord Jesus Christ our sins are forgiven and we have eternal life in God’s kingdom. Today, we want to think about Jesus’ words to his disciples at his Last Supper. We will also celebrate the Lord’s Supper since Jesus commanded his disciples, “do this in remembrance of me.” If you believe in Jesus Christ and confess him as your Lord and Savior you are invited to celebrate the Lord’s Supper.

1. The Passover was approaching (1-6)

First, remembering the Passover. Look at verse 1. “Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching…” In verses 1-16, the Passover is mentioned or alluded to 8 times. Jesus’ last meal was a Passover meal. Jesus gave his life during an annual Passover season.

What is the Passover? It is an important annual feast for the Jewish people. The Passover recalls an event in Moses’ time when the Israelites were slaves in Egypt. God gave a message through Moses to the king of Egypt, “Let my people go.” When he refused, God sent 10 plagues on Egypt as judgment on the ‘gods of Egypt.’ The final plague was on the firstborn. Every firstborn throughout Egypt would die. But God gave the Israelite slaves directions how to save their firstborn: they had to smear the blood of a lamb on the doorframes of their homes. As the LORD executed judgment throughout Egypt, he ‘passed over’ the homes that had the lamb’s blood. This was such a devastating plague that the king of Egypt finally let the Israelites go. They were freed after 400 years–many generations–of slavery. Thus, the Passover commemorated two things: the salvation of their firstborn from death, and their freedom from slavery. The Passover marked the birth of a free nation, Israel, like their independence day. Since that time, the Jews have celebrated the Passover annually as a time of thanks and praise to God for his great deliverance and salvation.

Second, the devil’s work in several people. Understanding the importance of the Passover, in Jesus’ time the leaders of Israel should have led the people in this holy commemoration. But what were they doing? Verse 2 tells us, “…and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people.” It is shocking that the leaders of God’s chosen people were plotting how to get rid of Jesus. They wanted to arrest Jesus away from the public eye, since people thronged to Jesus. Jesus was loved and respected by the crowds because he went around doing good–healing the sick, driving out demons and proclaiming the message of God’s kingdom. The leaders acted out of fear of men and envy of Jesus. They were spiritually blind and gave the devil an open door to come in and use them for evil.

Even one of Jesus’ own disciples was used by the devil. Look at verses 3-6. “Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money. He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.” How could one so close to Jesus, one of his own Twelve chosen disciples, do this? Luke explains that Satan entered Judas Iscariot. It was the devil’s work in Judas. Our enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour and use for evil. How can we overcome the devil? The Bible says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (Jas 4:7) It also says, “…do not give the devil a foothold.” (Eph 4:27) No one can defeat the devil with his own strength or wisdom. So Jesus taught us to pray, “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” When Jesus faced the devil’s temptations, he showed us how to resist the devil by holding on to God’s word and by loving God.

2. Jesus’ Last Supper (7-20)

First, Jesus is our Passover lamb. Look at verse 7. The day of Unleavened Bread came. The unleavened bread (matzah) reminded them of their hasty departure from Egypt. Luke says that this was the day ‘on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.’ This alludes to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. In 1 Corinthians 5:7 Paul wrote, “For Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed.” During the original Passover, the firstborn children of Israel were saved by the lamb’s blood. But Jesus’ blood saves everyone who trusts in him from their sins. John the Baptist understood this and testified of Jesus, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Peter also called Jesus a sacrificial lamb saying, “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” (1Pe 1:18) By faith in Jesus’ blood, we sinners can be saved from God’s righteous judgment, delivered from our slavery to sin, and healed from our sinsicknesses. By faith in Jesus’ blood, we are Jesus’ sheep, and no one can snatch us out of his hand. We are saved from our sins by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Eternal praise and thanks be to Jesus Christ, our Passover lamb!

Second, make preparations by obeying Jesus. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” They asked him where they were to prepare for it. Jesus told them in verses 10-12. “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large upper room, all furnished. Make preparations there.” Bible scholars say this was likely the home of John Mark, who wrote Mark’s gospel.

What is significant of Jesus’ directions here? For one thing, it shows Jesus’ omniscience. Jesus knew in great detail all that was going to transpire in the next 24 hours. Though things would soon look out of control with Jesus’ arrest and trial, God was in complete control. Notice that Jesus seemed to intentionally keep the Passover place secret. Perhaps this was to avoid informing Judas who might lead his enemies there. Jesus still wanted time to prepare himself for his death in a night of prayer. Jesus also wanted time to teach his disciples the new meaning of the Passover meal.

Look at verse 13. “They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.” One thing we learn here is that for those who follow Jesus’ instructions, things work out. On the other hand, when we follow our own plans, desires or ideas, things often get messed up. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 14:12 warns, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” To grow as a disciple of Jesus, one must learn to listen to Jesus and put Jesus’ word ahead of his own plan, idea or desire. Blessed and wise are those who put Jesus’ words into practice.

Third, the meaning of Jesus’ body given for us. Look at verses 14-18. “When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.’ After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, ‘Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.’” Jesus eagerly wanted to teach his disciples the meaning of his suffering and death before it happened. Jesus would soon suffer and die. But he knew his death would not be the end. His death would open the way to the feast in the kingdom of God.

Let’s read verse 19 together. “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Jesus took the bread and gave thanks to God. How could Jesus thank God when he knew that he would suffer and die a brutal death? Jesus gave thanks knowing that God is good. “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” (Ps 136:1) Life is hard. But God is good. God is our Protector, our Provider, and our loving Father in heaven. The Lord will rescue us from every evil attack and bring us safely to his heavenly kingdom (2Ti 4:18). We can give thanks in all circumstances when we believe firmly that God is good and God’s will is good, pleasing and perfect.

Jesus broke the bread and gave it to his disciples. Soon Jesus would allow his own body to be broken, wounded, torn, and bruised for our salvation. Peter later wrote, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” (1Pe 2:24) Jesus gave the bread to his disciples and said, “This is my body given for you…” Jesus gave his body to be beaten, whipped and crucified on their behalf and ours too. 1 Peter 3:18 says, “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” Is there any greater love than this? Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” (Jn 15:13-14)

What does it mean that Jesus’ body is our bread? Jesus once declared to a hungry, demanding crowd in John 6, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” (Jn 6:35) Again, Jesus said to the same people, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me.” (Jn 6:56-57) What does it mean to ‘feed on Jesus’? To feed on Jesus is to have a living personal relationship with him through faith and prayer. To feed on Jesus is to come to him in faith every day and throughout the day for strength, sustenance, guidance and fulfillment. To feed on Jesus is to find joy, hope and meaning by relying on him.

Jesus also said, “…do this in remembrance of me.” Just as the Jews commemorate the Passover every year, Jesus wants his followers to commemorate his sacrifice and commune with him and with other believers in Christ. We can remember Jesus and thank him every time we see a cross, every time we worship, every time we pray. This coming weekend we will gather at our Easter conferences to more deeply commune with Jesus and with others in his name. May the grace and love of his death and the glory and hope of his resurrection be real and move us each personally. Today we also celebrate communion as a church to remember and thank Jesus and to be newly united with him and with other believers in his name.

Fourth, the meaning of Jesus’ blood poured out for us. Let’s read verse 20. “In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’” Jesus said the cup is a ‘new covenant.’ What is a covenant? Biblically, a covenant is a binding relationship between two parties. In this case, the new covenant is a binding relationship between Jesus and his followers. Then what was the old covenant? We call the Hebrew Scriptures the Old Testament, or Old Covenant. In the Old Testament, God made several covenants with people and their descendants, including Noah (Gen 9:11ff) and Abraham (Gen 17:7ff). In Moses’ time, God made a covenant with his people Israel, saying, “Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” (Ex 19:5-6) Then God gave them his laws, including the Ten Commandments, for them to obey. The people responded, “We will do everything the LORD has said; we will obey.” Then Moses took the blood of offerings, sprinkled it on the people and said, “This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words.” (Ex 24:8) This was the old covenant, but it was conditional, based on the peoples’ obedience.

Jeremiah prophesied of a new covenant in Jeremiah 31:31-34, which the New Testament quotes in Hebrews 8:8-12. It says: “The time is coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

Jesus established this new covenant ‘in his blood.’ His blood refers to his blood shed on the cross. Matthew 26:28 says more directly, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” The blood of Jesus has power to save and cleanse sinners from their sins. Romans 3:25 says of Jesus, “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.” Hebrews 9:14-15 compares the blood of goats and bulls with the blood of Jesus: “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance–now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” Jesus’ blood was poured out for us, to purify us from all sin.

The forgiveness of sins is not the final objective. It is the means to an end. The end objective is a new covenant–a new and right relationship with God as children of God and heirs of his kingdom. Romans 8:16 says, “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” The Holy Spirit gives us confidence to call God, “Father.” Jesus died to open a new way of relationship between God and all people through the forgiveness of sins. The Holy Spirit at work in every believer makes this new relationship with God possible. For example, sin can make a person cold and rude toward God and others. But the new covenant in Jesus’ blood can make this same person warm and friendly to God and others. Sin makes people wild and rebellious. But the new covenant in Jesus’ blood and the work of the Holy Spirit changes people to be humble and joyful. I know so many people who have been changed by the power and grace of Jesus through faith in him. I will share just one example. One young man had no living relationship with Christ, though he attended church regularly. I think he would say he attended church to feel good about himself and to look down on others. He used to listen to dark and rebellious music. He had a foul mouth and delighted in lewd thoughts with no reason or power to resist. Then he studied the Bible, cautiously at first. Gradually he found joy, hope, meaning and new life in Jesus, which he did not have before. Many can testify to the changing power of a relationship with Jesus Christ. Can you? This change is possible and real through faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection.

As Jesus offered the cup to his disciples, he offers salvation to all sinners. There is power in the blood of Jesus Christ. Only his blood to can take away our sins. Have you taken Jesus’ body and blood in faith? Are you in a covenant relationship with Jesus? Some are hindered by fear, fear of losing something in order to follow Jesus. But Jesus promised a hundred times more than anything we sacrifice to follow him (Mt 19:29). Some are obstructed by pride, thinking they are good enough. The Bible says “there is no one righteous, not even one.” (Ro 3:10) Some are hindered by guilt: How could God forgive my sin?” The Bible says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1Jn 1:9) Some are hindered by unbelief: “I tried to change myself, but it didn’t work. I don’t think I can be changed.” 2Co 5:17 disagrees with this pessimism saying, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

For those who have received Jesus’ grace, don’t be complacent or depend on your own goodness or effort. You still need his grace. It is only his grace that has saved you and that will continue to save and sanctify you. Keep on trusting in him alone, not in a righteousness of your own. Also, if you know his saving grace, don’t keep it to yourself. Proclaim it to others with love and joy, that they too may hear his promise and enter into a relationship with Jesus through the new covenant in his blood.

They shared a common belief that the best way to help Korea and the world was to plant faith and hope for the future in the hearts of college students with a life-giving spirit, that they would grow to be future leaders. To this end, they began to pray with the prayer topic, “Bible Korea, World Mission,” and studied the Bible with college students. This was the beginning of the University Bible Fellowship.

Purpose
The University Bible Fellowship is a non-denominational, evangelistic campus organization focused on raising disciples of Jesus who can live sacrificial lives for the gospel and contribute to society and their nation by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to college students and young people. U.B.F. serves world evangelism by raising lay missionaries and sending them throughout the world. For this purpose, U.B.F. teaches the Bible to college students and young people and helps them to live according to the teachings of the Scriptures and to practice the world mission command of Jesus (Acts 1:8). The University Bible Fellowship is a mainline evangelical organization and is dedicated to the task of student evangelism.