Articles
A Necessary Sacrifice
Reading: Luke 22:1-34
“Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed” (v. 7). This simple statement of fact ripples with deeper meaning as the scene of what many call “the last supper” unfolds in the pages of Scripture. Jesus’s purpose was proclaimed by John the Immerser at the very start of his ministry as he was heralded as the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Jesus knew what this purpose required of him (see 1 Corinthians 5:7), and he knew what horrors awaited him that night and into the day ahead.
As he shared the Passover meal with these twelve men, Jesus also knew he was surrounded by those who would abandon him—from Judas, who betrayed him (3-6, 21-22) to Peter who would deny him (31-34), all the apostles would scatter that very night. Even knowing this beforehand, Jesus eagerly desired to spend this time with them (15). He established and entrusted to them the observance of his own memorial, which we still practice today (19-21); he taught them and served them (24-27; see also John 13); he prayed for them (32); and he even gave an awesome promise to the eternal role these apostles would serve in his kingdom (28-30).
Why did Jesus extend such kindness, such grace, such patience, and such amazing blessings to these men who would turn their backs on him? It is the same answer to the question of why he suffered and died for you and for me, who also turned our backs on God: because it was necessary. Not that the Son of God was coerced or forced to go through with this course of action, but that this selfless sacrifice accomplished God’s eternal desire and will to offer us all rescue from His own wrath. Jesus willing laid down his life as the necessary payment for all the sins of the world (Acts 17:2-3)—not because he had to, but because he earnestly desired to. Because he earnestly desires you.
