Dwelling in God’s word: Easter freedom
I serve in a suburban parish that 50 years ago planted a Lutheran primary school to be a missional community. In my everyday calling, I have the joy of being invited into that school to proclaim God’s freedom.
In this issue of The Lutheran, we have been confronted with the awful issue of modern-day slavery. In the Year 3 class I visit, we go through the Old Testament’s big freedom moment: the children of Israel’s release from slavery in Egypt. I connect Israel’s liberating Passover meal to the way it is fulfilled in the ultimate freedom account of Scripture: Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Accordingly, we start this Bible study at Maundy Thursday of the Easter weekend. A chief focus of this day is the institution of the Lord’s own supper. Jesus said, ‘Do this in remembrance of me’ (Luke 22:19b). He gave his supper to us in the context of ‘remembering’ that great walk out of slavery to freedom at least 1200 years earlier.
Read Exodus 12:1–42.
The Jewish sense of remembering is not just recalling something from the past. It’s far richer. Like directly living it all over again personally … really being there and experiencing the freedom all over again.
How do we use meals at key times in life to remember, celebrate and move to a new future?
Go back to Exodus 12:3–7. What is the purpose of the Passover lamb and in what condition is it to be? What do the Israelites do with its blood? Why? Check verses 12,13 and 23–30 after you have discussed these questions.
Read John 1:29–36. What are all the things Christ’s herald, John the Baptiser, wishes us to know about Jesus? On what will Jesus’ blood be marked? When (see John 19:14)? Whose freedom does it grant?
Review Exodus 12:24–27, Mark 14:12–17 and 14:22–25.
Picture the upper room the night before Jesus died. At least 1,200 years after the first Passover, Jesus is going on the same freedom walk with his Israelite forebears as he sits with his disciples and celebrates the Passover. Jesus gives this ancient meal of remembrance a whole new significance.
In what ways is the Lord’s Supper our meal of freedom? Of forgiveness of sin? And food for our journey to eternity? After discussing this, you might check Exodus 12:11, 24, 50, 51; Matthew 26:26–29 and 1 Corinthians 11:23–26.
Jesus says in this new meal of remembrance, ‘This is my body … this is my blood … do this in remembrance of me’.
By using Jesus’ understanding of remembrance, what do his words tell us about his bodily presence every time we attend the Lord’s Supper and ‘remember’ and ‘proclaim his death until he comes’ (1 Corinthians 11:26)?
The account of the first Easter weekend is a freedom bonanza. Talk through the type of freedom gifted to each of the following:
- Barabbas – Matthew 27:15–26
- The repentant criminal – Luke 23:39–43
- The Centurion – Matthew 27:54
- Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus – John 19:38–42. Think in terms of their ties to the ruling elite and their generous gifts of burial spices and the unused tomb.
- The women – Luke 23:49; 55–24:8
- The disciples – John 20:19–23
What freedom has Christ given you in Easter? Who on the list is that the same or similar to? What difference can you make to those enslaved around you?
Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, that in your life, death and resurrection you have brought us out of slavery to sin, death and the devil, and into the freedom of life eternal with you. Never let us grow tired of receiving you and your good news in your Supper. Use your nourishment of us that we may serve all who are enslaved. We pray through the Holy Spirit who forgives sin and gathers your church. Amen.
Pastor Matt Bishop serves the faith family of St Paul Lutheran Church Blair Athol and provides pastoral support to the co-located community of St Paul Lutheran School.
