This morning's service is going to be a little different than our usual service.
We are going to be coming to the Lord's table and observing that.
We're not going to have a message like we usually do, a sermon per se,
but we will be listening to the story of Jesus that relates to the Lord's table.
So there'll be kind of singing interspersed with scripture reading.
And so I invite you just to sing when the singing starts.
Just join right in. Most of it you can remain seated.
And for the parts where we'll stand, I'll let you know when that is.
On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread,
when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb,
Jesus' disciples asked him,
Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?
So he sent two of his disciples, telling them,
Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you.
Follow him.
Say to the owner of the house he enters.
The teacher asks,
Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?
He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready.
Make preparations for us there.
The disciples left, went into the city,
and found things just as Jesus had told them.
So they prepared the Passover.
When evening came, Jesus arrived with the twelve.
While they were reclining at the table eating, he said,
Truly, I tell you,
one of you will betray me,
one who is eating with me.
They were saddened,
and one by one they said to him,
Surely you don't mean me.
It is one of the twelve, he replied.
One who dips bread into the bowl with me.
The Son of Man will go,
just as it is written about him.
But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man.
It would be better for him if he had not been born.
While they were eating,
Jesus took bread,
and when he had given thanks,
he broke it,
and gave it to his disciples,
saying,
Take it.
This is my body.
Then he took a cup,
and when he had given thanks,
he gave it to them,
and they all drank from it.
This is my blood of the covenant,
which is poured out for many,
he said to them.
Truly,
I tell you,
I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine
until that day when I drink it new
in the kingdom of God.
When they had sung a hymn,
they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise him all creatures.
here below.
Praise him above ye heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise him above ye heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.
You will all fall away,
Jesus told them.
For it is written,
I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered.
But after I have risen,
I will go ahead of you into Galilee.
Peter declared,
Even if all fall away,
I will not.
Truly,
I tell you,
Jesus answered,
Today,
yes,
tonight,
before the rooster crows twice,
you yourself will disown me three times.
But Peter insisted emphatically,
Even if I have to die with you,
I will never disown you.
And all the others said the same.
They went to a place called Gethsemane,
and Jesus said to his disciples,
Sit here while I pray.
He took Peter, James, and John along with him,
and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled.
My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow.
To the point of death,
he said to them,
Stay here and keep watch.
Going a little farther,
he fell to the ground
and prayed that if possible,
the hour might pass from him.
Abba,
Father,
he said,
everything is possible for you.
Take this cup from me,
yet not what I will,
but what you will.
Then he returned to his disciples
and found them sleeping.
Simon,
he said to Peter,
are you asleep?
Couldn't you keep watch for one hour?
Watch and pray
so that you will not fall into temptation.
The spirit is willing,
but the flesh is weak.
Once more,
he went away
and prayed the same thing.
When he came back,
he again found them sleeping
because their eyes were heavy.
They did not know
what to say to him.
Returning the third time,
he said to them,
Are you still sleeping and resting?
Enough!
The hour has come.
Look!
The Son of Man is delivered
into the hands of sinners.
Rise!
Let us go.
Here comes my betrayer.
Just as he was speaking,
Judas,
one of the twelve,
appeared.
With him was a crowd
armed with swords
and clubs
sent from the chief priests,
the teachers of the law,
and the elders.
Now the betrayer
had arranged a signal with them.
The one I kiss
is the man.
Arrest him
and lead him away
under guard.
Going at once
to Jesus,
Judas said,
Rabbi!
And kissed him.
The men
seized Jesus
and arrested him.
Then one of those
standing near
drew his sword
and struck the servant
of the high priest,
cutting off his ear.
Am I leading a rebellion,
said Jesus,
that you have come out
with swords
and clubs
to capture me?
Every day
I was with you,
teaching in the temple courts,
and you did not arrest me.
But the scriptures
must be fulfilled.
Then everyone
deserted him
and fled.
man of sorrows,
lamb of God,
by his own betrayed.
The sin of man
and wrath of God
has been on Jesus' grave.
Silent as he stirred,
accused, beaten, mocked,
and scored.
Bowing to the Father's will,
He took a crown of thorns.
Oh, that rugged cross,
my salvation,
where your love poured out
over me.
Now my soul cries out,
hallelujah,
praise and honor
unto thee.
Very early in the morning,
the chief priests
with the elders,
the teachers of the law,
and the whole Sanhedrin
made their plans.
So they bound Jesus,
led him away,
and handed him over to Pilate.
Are you the king of the Jews?
asked Pilate.
You have said so,
Jesus replied.
The chief priests
accused him of many things.
So again,
Pilate asked him,
aren't you going to answer?
See how many things
they are accusing you of.
But Jesus still made no reply,
and Pilate was amazed.
Now,
it was the custom at the festival
to release a prisoner
whom the people requested.
A man called Barabbas
was in prison
with the insurrectionists
who had committed murder
in the uprising.
The crowd came up
and asked Pilate
to do for them
what he usually did.
Do you want me to release to you
the king of the Jews?
asked Pilate,
knowing that it was
out of self-interest
that the chief priests
had handed Jesus over to him.
But the chief priests
stirred up the crowd
to have Pilate
release Barabbas instead.
What shall I do then
with the one you call
the king of the Jews?
Pilate asked them.
Crucify him!
They shouted.
Why?
What crime has he committed?
asked Pilate.
But they shouted
all the louder.
Crucify him!
Wanting to satisfy the crowd,
Pilate released Barabbas to them.
He had Jesus flogged
and handed him over
to be crucified.
The soldiers
led Jesus away
into the palace
that is the praetorium
and called together
the whole company of soldiers.
They put a purple robe on him
then twisted together
a crown of thorns
and set it on him.
And they began
to call out to him,
Hail!
King of the Jews!
Again
and again
they struck him
on the head
with a staff
and spit on him.
Falling on their knees
they paid homage to him
and when they had mocked him
they took off
the purple robe
and put his own clothes
on him.
Then they led him out
to crucify him.
A certain man
from Cyrene,
Simon,
the father of Alexander
and Rufus
was passing by
on his way
in from the country
and they forced him
to carry the cross.
They brought Jesus
to the place
called Golgotha
which means
the place of the skull.
Then they offered him
wine mixed with myrrh
but he did not take it
and they crucified him.
Dividing up his clothes
they cast lots
to see what each would get.
It was nine in the morning
when they crucified him.
The written notice
of the charge against him
read
The King of the Jews!
They crucified two rebels
with him
one on his right
and one on his left.
Those who passed by
hurled insults at him
shaking their heads
and saying
So
you who are going
to destroy the temple
and build it in three days
come down from the cross
and save yourself.
In the same way
the chief priests
and the teachers of the law
mocked him
among themselves.
He saved others
they said
but he can't save himself.
Let this Messiah
this King of Israel
come down now
from the cross
that we may see
and believe.
those crucified with him
also
heaped insults
on him.
were you there
when they
crucified
my Lord
were you there
when they
crucified
my Lord
oh
sometimes
it causes me
to tremble
tremble
were you there
when they
crucified
my Lord
were you there
when they
nailed him
to the tree
were you there
when they
nailed him
to the tree
oh
sometimes
it
causes me
to tremble
tremble
were you there
when they
nailed him
to the tree
at noon
darkness
came over
the whole
land
until three
in the
afternoon
and at
three in
the afternoon
Jesus
cried out
in a loud
voice
Eloi
lama
sabachthani
which means
my God
why have
you forsaken
me
when some
of those
standing near
heard this
they said
listen
he's calling
Elijah
someone ran
filled a sponge
with wine
vinegar
put it on
his staff
and offered
it to
Jesus to
drink
now leave
him alone
let's see
if Elijah
comes to
take him
down
he said
with a
loud cry
Jesus
breathed
his last
the curtain
of the
temple
was torn
in two
from top
to bottom
and when
the centurion
who stood
there in
front of
Jesus
saw how
he died
he said
surely this
man was
the son
of God
sent of heaven
God's own
son to
purchase
and
redeem
and reconcile
style that
o hè
Where your love poured out over me.
Now my soul cries out, Hallelujah.
Hallelujah, praise and honor unto thee.
Now my debt is paid.
It is paid in full.
By the precious blood that my Jesus spilled.
Now the curse of sin has no hold on me.
Whom the Son sets free, is free indeed.
Now my debt is paid.
It is paid in full.
By the precious blood that my Jesus spilled.
Now the curse of sin has no hold on me.
Whom the Son sets free, O is free indeed.
Oh, that rugged cross my salvation.
Where your love poured out over me.
Now my soul cries out, Hallelujah.
Praise and honor unto thee.
Please stand.
Some women were watching from a distance.
Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, the younger, and of Joseph and Salome.
In Galilee, these women had followed him and cared for his needs.
Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.
It was preparation day.
That is the day before the Sabbath.
So as evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea, prominent member of the council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body.
Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead.
Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died.
When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph.
So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock.
Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.
Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Joseph, saw where he was laid.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it's all that was now.
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord.
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt.
Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled
Grace, grace, God's grace
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within
Grace, grace, God's grace
Grace that is greater than all our sin
Sin and despair like the sea waves cold
Threaten the soul with infinite loss
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross
Grace, grace, God's grace
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within
Grace, grace, God's grace
Grace that is greater than all our sin
Dark is the stain that we cannot hide
What can avail to wash it away
Look, there is flowing a crimson tide
Brighter than snow you may be today
Grace, grace, God's grace
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within
Grace, grace, God's grace
Grace that is greater than all our sin
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace
Grace, grace, grace
Freely bestowed on all who believe
You that are longing to see His face
Will you this moment His grace receive
Grace, grace, God's grace
Grace, grace, grace
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within
Grace, grace, God's grace
Grace, grace, grace
Grace that is greater than all our sin
You may be seated.
Well, you've just heard, again, the story behind this table
The story of Jesus
That story is precious to us
It tells us of the love that God has for us
Jesus explained that night that He was betrayed
When He was gathered around the table with His disciples
The meaning of all of this
He told them as He shared the cup around with them
That that cup represented His blood
Which is about to be poured out for them
Why?
For the forgiveness of sins
Do you know that you are a sinner?
That you have broken God's holy law
And done things that in His sight are wicked
Are wrong
God is just
And He can't just let us get away with that
He can't just let us off the hook
Just because
Something had to be done
So that we could be forgiven in a way that was right
In a way that was just
And that something
Was to send His Son, Jesus, into the world
Into the world
And for Him to die
In our place
On the cross
An amazing sacrifice
And gift of love
And as we just sang
A gracious gift
For all who will believe
It's not something we could earn
It's not something we could ever deserve
But because God is kind
And merciful
And loving
He sent Jesus
To do that for us
Do you know that?
Does your heart know that?
Have you made that decision?
To do what Jesus called all people to do
To repent
To turn to God
And acknowledge
That you have blown it
That you have done wrong by Him
And to seek His forgiveness
And have you put your faith and your trust in Jesus
The one that God sent to save
To save
It's the most important decision
That you could ever make in your life
As I said at the beginning of the service
There is a day coming when Jesus returns
And He will be the King
Of the Kingdom of God
Will you be ready for that day?
Will you have a way to be off the hook?
That the way that God has provided
For all the things that you have done
Jesus is the only way
And that's what we celebrate
And mark once a month
When we come to this table
And so if you are trusting in that
And your hope is in that
And you are someone who believes in Jesus
And belongs to Him
Then I invite you to participate with us
To take of the cup and the bread
In just a moment Charles is going to come up
And he's going to pass them out
And if that's you
You believe that
Then please take
And eat and drink with us
We'll wait until everybody has been served
And then at the end
We'll eat and drink together in unison
But before we do that
I just want to give us a couple minutes
Of quiet reflection
A couple moments for you
To think about
Where you are at with God right now
How's your relationship with Him going?
Where do you stand before God?
Thank you.
I invite you to stand as we sing to the Lord.
Thank you.
Amen.
You're the name above all names.
All our hope is in you.
All the glory to God.
The light of the world.
Jesus, Jesus, name above all names.
Name above all names.
Our blessed Redeemer, our blessed Redeemer, the rescue for sinners.
The rescue for sinners, the ransom from heaven.
The ransom from heaven.
Jesus, Jesus, Lord of all.
Jesus, Lord of all.
You may be seated.
When the Sabbath was in you.
When the Sabbath was over.
Jesus, Jesus, Lord of all things.
And Salome bought spices.
And Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body.
Very early on the first day of the day, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb.
And they asked each other,
Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.
As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side.
the right side and they were alarmed. Don't be alarmed, he said. You are looking for Jesus,
the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen. He is not here. See the place where they laid him,
but go. Tell his disciples and Peter. He is going ahead of you into Galilee.
There you will see him just as he told you.
I'll invite you to stand again.
Amen.
He arose with a mighty triumph for his foes. He arose a victor from the dark domain,
and he lives forever with his saints to reign. He arose, he arose. Hallelujah. Christ arose.
He arose.
Vainly they watch his bed, Jesus my Savior. Vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord.
Up from the grave he arose. With a mighty triumph for his foes. He arose a victor from the dark domain,
and he lives forever with his saints to reign. He arose, he arose. Hallelujah. Christ arose.
Death cannot keep his prey, Jesus my Savior. He tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord.
Up from the grave he arose. He arose. He arose. He arose. He arose. Hallelujah. Christ arose. One more time.
He arose. He arose. He arose. Hallelujah. Christ arose.
I heard an old, old story. How a Savior came from glory. How he gave his life on Calvary.
To save a wretch like me. How he gave his life on Calvary. How he gave his life on Calvary.
To save a wretch like me. I heard about his groaning. Of his precious blood's atoning.
Then I repented of my sins and won the victory. Oh, victory in Jesus my Savior.
He was a Savior forever. He sought me and bought me with his redeeming blood.
He loved me ere I knew him. And all my love is due him. He plunged me to victory.
Beneath the cleansing blood.
I heard about his healing. Of his cleansing power revealing.
How he made the lane to walk again. And caused the blind to see.
And then I cried, Dear Jesus, Come and heal my broken spirit.
And somehow Jesus came and brought to me the victory. Oh, victory in Jesus my Savior forever.
He sought me and bought me with his redeeming blood. He loved me ere I knew him. And all my love is due him. He plunged me to victory. Beneath the cleansing flood.
Beneath the cleansing flood. I heard about a mansion he has built for me in glory. And I heard about the streets of gold beyond the crystal sea.
Beneath the cleansing blood.
Beneath the cleansing blood. And the old redemption story. And some sweet day I'll sing up there that song of victory. Oh, victory in Jesus my Savior forever.
Beneath the cleansing blood.
He sought me and bought me with his redeeming blood. He sought me and bought me with his redeeming blood.
He loved me ere I knew him. And all my love is due him. He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.
He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.
Hallelujah. Amen.
Lord Jesus, we thank you so much
for your great love for us
and that through you, we, undeserving as we are,
can have victory,
can have life,
can have a relationship with you,
the God who created the world and everything in it.
We love you so much and we thank you
for all you've done for us.
We pray and ask that you would go with us
from here today and this week
and that you would put this message
and this hope and this life on our lips
that we would be able to share it
with our neighbors, friends, coworkers,
people we bump into.
Bless us all and go with us.
We ask this in your name, Jesus.
Amen.
You may be seated.