The Feast of Two Deliverances
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Revealing the Lord's Supper as a unifying encouragement for Christians living in between two deliverances.
Text: Luke 22:14-18
Date: 07/27/2025, the Combined service.
Series: "Luke: Thy Kingdom Come" Part 203
Description:
After the preparations for the Passover Feast have been made, Jesus and His disciples recline at table to enjoy the meal itself. As the Seder begins, Jesus reveals how deeply He has desired this special time alone with His disciples-- unimpeded and uninterrupted by the evil that swirls around them in the streets of Jerusalem. Using eschatological language, Jesus then promises that this will be the last Passover He will take until the Kingdom of God is fulfilled in the Eschaton. We will analyze these enigmatic words and realize that Jesus places the celebration of the sacrament of Communion and the very existence of the church between two deliverances-- the deliverance brought about by the Cross, and the final deliverance from this world and these bodies of sin. Ultimately we will gain a fresh perspective on ourselves as Christians, the church in general, and the sacrament of Communion in particular; as we consider the deep, eschatological meaning of the Feast of Two Deliverances.
View:
Options:
I. Introduction, Phil 3:20-21.
II. Exposition of the text, Luke 22:14-18.
A. Context
1. Revisiting the two intentions, 1John 1:5; Gen. 50:20; Acts 2:23.
2. The preparation for the feast.
B. In between two deliverances.
1. Setting the scene, vs. 14.
a. A specific time designation.
i. The beginning of Passover.
ii. Emphasizing the importance of the Passover meal, Luke 22:1,7,14.
iii. An eschatological "hour", John 2:4, 12:23; Luke 12:40.
iv. God's sovereign intention.
b. The scene at the table.
i. A familiar scene.
1) The table and couches.
2) The "pecking order", Mark 14:20; John 13:26.
3) Where are the women?
ii. Focus on Jesus.
1) Jesus at the center of the apostles, Mark 14:22.
2) Hints of the New Covenant.
3) It's all about Christ!
2. The love feast, vs. 15.
a. Words of love.
i. Looking at the words, Luke 15:16; Ex. 20:17; James 4:2; Matt. 5:28.
ii. The deep, deep love of Jesus, John 13:1,34.
1) A special compassion, Matt. 9:36, 25:34; John 14:3, 17:6.
2) An incomprehensible love, John 17:20-21.
iii. From love to yearning.
b. A special Passover, Luke 22:7,20; 1Cor. 5:7; John 1:29.
c. Intensified by suffering.
3. Focus on the eschatological feast, vs. 16.
a. Looking at the words.
i. The truth formula.
ii. Eating the Passover.
iii. The fulfillment in the Kingdom of God.
1) The Kingdom of God.
2) The fulfillment of the Passover.
b. In between two ages.
4. Focus on the eschatological cup, vs. 17-18.
a. From "eating" to "drinking", vs. 17.
i. A noticeable change in liturgy.
ii. An image of unity, John 13:14-15.
b. The eschatological intent, vs. 18.
i. A close parallel.
ii. Another perspective of the Kingdom, Luke 21:27.
III. Application, Rev. 19:7, 22:3; Job 3:17; Isa. 11:9; Rom. 7:24-25; John 16:33.
IV. Conclusion
