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      JESUS' DEATH AND ITS MEANING, "THE LAST SUPPER" 
                   Matthew 26:19-30
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The purpose this week is to try to understand the meaning 
of Jesus' death as Jesus understood it. The Last Supper 
offers some clues for us.

The reason we use a text of Scripture as the basis of these 
studies each week is to anchor our discussion in something 
more than speculation. As we get at the real meaning of 
this passage, it will help us understand some of the basic 
underlying truths of Jesus' teaching -- and Christianity.

By the way, you are getting the US holiday "President's 
Day" off on Monday. Wave a flag! Let's start discussing on 
Tuesday.

Pastor Ralph


TUESDAY

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LEVEL 1. OBSERVATION QUESTIONS. What does the text say?
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1.1  What was the significance of the Passover meal which 
Jesus and his disciples were celebrating that night? (see 
Exodus 12 for background)  What event were they 
commemorating?

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WEDNESDAY

1.2  Bread and wine were part of the Passover meal, but 
Jesus gave new meaning to them. How did he speak of the 
bread?  How did he speak of the wine?

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LEVEL 2. INTERPRETATION QUESTIONS. What does the text mean?
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2.1  Why did Jesus speak of the bread as his body?  What 
did the bread have in common with his body?

2.2  Why did Jesus speak of the wine as his blood?  What 
did the wine have in common with his blood?

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THURSDAY

2.3  According to Jesus, in what sense did his blood bring 
about forgiveness of sin?

2.4  Why is this considered a sacred remembrance for 
Christians today? 

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FRIDAY

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LEVEL 3. APPLICATION QUESTIONS. What does it mean to me?
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3.1  In what sense was Jesus' blood poured out for your own 
personal sins?  Does this really have anything to do with 
you?  Why or why not?