OceanSide church of Christ

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IN THE UPPER ROOM WITH JESUS

 

Introduction

Lesson #1

Victor M. Eskew

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A.     There are times in Scripture when the Holy Spirit spends a lot of time on a person or an event.

 

B.      When this happens, we know that this even must be important.   There are a lot of lessons that God wants to teach us within the text.

 

C.     In John 13-17, we read of Jesus’ words to His disciples when they were in the upper room and after they had engaged in the Passover.

1.       John 13:1 begins with these words:  “Now before the feast of passover…”

2.       John 13:2 states:  “And supper being ended…”

3.       Then, in John 18:1, we are told: 

 

When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.

 

D.     We want to being a series of lessons entitled:  “In the Upper Room with Jesus.”

1.       These will be similar to our previous series, “The Sayings of the Crucifixion.”

2.       The study consists of five (5) chapters and one hundred thirty-five (135) verses.  I am not sure how many lessons will be preached.  We will do our best to have at least one sermon a month on this topic.

3.       This lesson is going to be an introduction to the series. 

4.       We want to set the stage.  Too, we want to whet your appetite for the upcoming lessons. 

 

I.                    IT’S THE EVENING BEFORE THE CRUCIFIXION

 

A.     Jesus entered into the world with a mission.

1.       John 3:17

 

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

 

2.       The Bible teaches us that God sent His Son at just the right time (Gal. 4:4-5).

 

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

 

3.       Mark 10:45

 

For even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

 

B.      Jesus knew the day of crucifixion was coming.

1.       Four times in the early chapters of John, it is said that Jesus’ time, or hour, was not yet come (John 2:4; 7:6, 30; 8:20).  In John 12:23, however, He makes another statement.

 

And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

 

2.       Jesus told His disciples that He would eventually be put to death in Jerusalem (Matt. 16:20).

 

From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

 

C.     The time of the crucifixion drew near.

1.       Jesus knew He would be betrayed and arrested.

2.       He knew His disciples would forsake Him and flee.

3.       He knew He would suffer many things and die on the Roman cross.

4.       It is difficult for us to imagine the emotions Jesus was experiencing as the passion drew near (See Matt. 26:38; Heb. 5:7).

 

D.     It was imperative for Him to say some things to His disciples in private before the events of the crucifixion began to take place.  In essence, these five chapters represent Jesus’ last words.

 

II.                 JESUS WAS A FAITHFUL JEW

 

A.     In Galatians 4:4, we read that Jesus was born under the Law.

 

B.      According to Luke 2:21, Jesus was circumcised the eighth day putting Him into a covenant relationship with His heavenly Father.

 

C.     Jesus was a loyal, faithful Jew who obeyed the law in every aspect thereof.

1.       The Bible tells us He was sinless.

a.       “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth” (1 Pet. 2:22).

b.      Sin is the transgression of the law.  If Jesus did “no sin,” then He never transgressed the law.

2.       Jesus also affirmed:  “…for I do always those things that please the him” (John 8:29).

 

D.     The celebration of the Passover was part of the Law of Moses (Exo. 12:2-14; Lev. 23:4-8).  This feast commemorating the passing over of the firstborn in Egypt during the last plague because the blood of the Lamb was on the doorposts and lintels. 

 

E.      Jesus had prepared for this feast (Mark 14:14-15).

 

And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?  And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared:  therefore make ready for us.

 

F.      If Jesus is our example, we could learn some lessons from Him regarding obedience to the Father and preparation for a feast of the Lord.

 

III.              THE LORD’S SUPPER WAS INSTITUTED THERE

 

A.     An important institution that John does not mention that was given in the upper room was the Lord’s Supper.

 

B.      Matthew, Mark, and Luke do record the event for us (Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:19-20).

1.       He took the bread, blessed it, break it, and gave it to them, saying:  “This is my body which is given for you:  this do in remembrance of me.”

2.       He took the cup, blessed it, and said:  “This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.”

3.       NOTE:  The Lord’s Supper is a memorial.  We reflect upon the death of our Savior on the cross of Calvary.  Paul said:  “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come” (1 Cor. 11:26).

 

C.     Having instituted it, He said He would not partake of it again with them until they took it new in the Father’s kingdom (Matt. 26:29).

 

D.     The church in Jerusalem (Acts 2:42), and the church in Troas (Acts 20:7), and the church at Corinth (1 Cor. 11:20-34) all partook of the Lord’s Supper. 

1.       Jesus was with them in these celebrations.

2.       This plainly tells us that the kingdom is presently in existence.  “…until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom” (Matt. 26:29).

 

IV.              SOME IMPORTANT ELEMENTS WE WILL COVER IN OUR STUDY

 

A.     The washing of the disciples’ feet by Jesus (John 13:4-5).

 

B.      The lesson about servanthood (John 13:12-17).

 

C.     The prediction of Judas’ betrayal (John 13:21).

 

…Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

 

D.     He reminds them of His death (John 13:31-33).

 

E.      He gives them a new commandment (John 13:34-35).

 

F.      He does not want them to be troubled (John 14:1-4).

 

Let not your heart be troubled…

 

G.     If they had seen Jesus, they had also seen the Father (John 14:6-11)

 

H.    He tells them of the coming Comforter (John 14:16-17).

 

I.        He exhorts them to be obedient (John 14:21-24).

 

J.        He wanted them to have peace (John 14:27).

 

K.     He teaches them about the true vine and branches (John 15:1-8).

 

L.      He notes their relationship to the world (John 15:18-21).

 

M.   He foretells that they will suffer for His name (John 16:1-4).

 

N.    He encourages them to pray in Jesus’ name (John 16:23-26).

 

O.     He predicts they will be scattered from Him that night (John 16:32).

 

P.      He prays His high priestly prayer (John 17:1-16).

 

These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come…

 

CONCLUSION

 

A.     Notice again John 17:1.  Jesus said:  “…the hour is come…”

 

B.      Jesus has a lot to say to the apostles.

1.       He wants them to be happy (John 13:17).

2.       He does not want them to be troubled (John 14:1).

3.       He wants them to have peace (John 14:27).

4.       He does not want them to be afraid (John 14:27).

5.       He wants His joy to remain in them (John 15:11).

6.       He wants them to be of good cheer (John 16:33).

7.       He wants His love to be in them (John 17:26).

 

C.     Some of the things He tells them will be understandable.

Some of the things He tells them will cause them to be sad.

Some of the things He tells them will be confusing.

Some of the things He tells them will prepare them.

 

D.     All of the things He tells them will make them stronger apostles when it comes time to accomplish their mission to the world.