Old Symbols, New Meaning

In one paragraph

This message came from Mark 14:1-26, covering Jesus' anointing at Bethany, Judas agreeing to betray Jesus, and the Last Supper. Pastor Brian walked the congregation through Thursday of passion week, the day before Jesus would be put on trial and crucified, and closed the evening with the church sharing communion together. The passage sits on the eve of the crucifixion, and Pastor Brian opened by...

Read together

1. Mark 14:1-26 the main passage read and taught through, covering the anointing at Bethany, Judas agreeing to betray Jesus, and the Last Supper
2. 1 John 1:9 quoted to reassure that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness
3. Hebrews 4:16 quoted as an invitation to come boldly to the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace in time of need
4. 1 Corinthians 11 quoted as the words of institution for the Lord's Supper, passing on what Paul received from the Lord about the bread and the cup

Talk about it

1. The preacher described the woman who anointed Jesus as performing 'a beautiful act of love and devotion,' and said that 'faithful and loving actions toward Jesus will not be forgotten.' What does that assurance mean to you personally, and does it change how you think about the small, everyday things you do?
2. Jesus took familiar symbols from the Passover, bread and wine, and gave them new meaning pointing to himself. Where else in your own life have you seen God take something old or familiar and give it new significance?
3. The sermon noted that it wasn't only Judas who betrayed Jesus during passion week. The disciples also denied and abandoned him, and the preacher said 'in some way, we've all done the same.' How does that honesty sit with you, and what does 1 John 1:9 mean to you in light of it?
4. The preacher contrasted the old covenant, where people had to travel long distances and go through priests and sacrifices just to approach God, with the new covenant, where Jesus is our high priest and we can come boldly to the throne of grace. What difference does that boldness actually make in how you pray or how you come to God day to day?
5. When the church took communion together, the preacher said we are looking back at Jesus' sacrifice and also looking forward to his return. Which of those two directions is easier for you to hold onto, and why?