Three of the most important lessons Jesus ever taught
When a person dies, their last few communications may be their most important.
In the upper room, taking the Passover, Jesus started a series of three final lessons.
We could almost say that they summarize most of Jesus lessons in His entire life.
Lean in and carefully study Christ’s movements and statements before He was taken to be crucified:
He taught about a “new covenant.”
“This cup is the NEW COVENANT written in my blood, blood poured out for you.” (Luke 22:20, Msg.)
A “covenant” is a “sworn oath.” The only thing that could compare to it would be a marriage covenant. In marriage, you become “one” with the person you marry: “The two will become one flesh.”
Your names become one. Your finances become one.
Knowing Christ is not a trivial thing, an afterthought. It is a solemn vow.
He is also saying there is a “new covenant” because it replaces the “old covenant.” Every sin committed in the Old Covenant had to be atoned for by a sheep or goat (I would need forty acres of sheep to keep up with my foolishness!).
Christ, in His blood, struck a New Covenant. In one sacrifice, at one time, He paid for all sins ever to be committed:
“Heb. 10:12—“But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.”
2. He taught about a “new commandment.”
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Jn. 13: 34-35)
The second lesson Christ taught was when He washed the disciples’ feet.
He even washed Judas’ feet.
He’s teaching us how to love people, even those who are unlovely and unlovable.
The Old Covenant taught “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.”
The New Covenant was also a New Commandment: “Love one another….just as I have loved you.”
3. He taught about a “new commitment.”
It happened in Gethsemane.
He prayed these words: “And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” (Mk. 14:36)
He was about to go through hell. He chose to surrender His will to the will of God.
He called God “Abba, Father,” the term for “Daddy.” God loves you in your hard times.
He surrendered His will to God’s will: “Not what I will, but what you will.”
Are you facing a “fiery trial?” God will be there with you, as a Father, if you will say “yes” to His will.
“New covenant, new commandment, new commitment.”
These three phrases represent more than you and I could ever imagine.
Now, you’re getting ready for the resurrection.