THE LAST TIME

We never know when the last time will come.  We do not know when we will see our last sunset or eat our last piece of cheesecake.  We do not know when we will receive our last kiss or read our last book.  We do not know when it will be the last time we will look into the eyes of a loved one or hear a storm over the ocean.  I would not want to know. 

BUT JESUS KNEW! 

When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, “As you know, the Passover is two days away – and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”

So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.

HE KNEW HE WOULD BE CRUCIFIED!  How could he walk up the steps to the Upper Room?  How could he recline at the table and enjoy a meal?

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.  After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

HE KNEW.  Jesus knew exactly what was ahead of him and yet he washed the feet of his disciples.  Even the feet of Judas.

When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve.  And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”

 

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

 

Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.  This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.  

HE KNEW.  How could he hold the cup steady?  He knew who would betray him.

I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

 

Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:  ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

 

(To Peter)  “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”

HE KNEW.  Jesus knew he was going to his Father’s kingdom.  He knew the disciples, he had been teaching, would scatter.  He knew who would deny him.

He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”

 

So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.

 

Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting?  Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners.  Rise!  Let us go?  Here comes my betrayer!”

 

But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” 

HE KNEW.  He knew he would do as his Father asked.  He knew he would be arrested.  He knew he would suffer.  He knew he would be spit upon, nailed to a cross.  He knew he would take every sin committed and every sin yet to be committed upon himself. 

HE KNEW!  HE KNEW!  (QUIETLY) HE KNEW!  And he obeyed His Father.

And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

We never know when the last time for something will come.  BUT JESUS KNEW.  And he allowed himself to be led toward his crucifixion so my sins – your sins – all confessed sin could be forgiven.

Scriptures from Matthew 26 and 27, Luke 23, and John 13