The Lord's Supper, part 4: Seek peace at all times!

Rev. Enoch Thompson | September 11, 2023 | Matthew 26:26-30

KEY VERSE:

When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Matthew 26:30 (NIV) MESSAGE:

Peace is an essential commodity all over the world. It has cost the United Nations billions of Dollars to try and instate peace within and between nations. The peace that the world has at any time is fragile, and there are forces at work to take advantage of that situation to cause confusion. This situation exists in homes, in families, in communities, in nations, among nations and worse still within the Church.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace. He gives true peace in the individual soul, establishes the peace of the human soul with God, reconnects people who otherwise should be at war, and creates a force in human society that works for the peace of the society.

In our text today, we read that “When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” The Lord led His disciples away from the house where they had eaten the last meal because He was aware of the events that were about to happen, with the arrest, the surging mob, the soldiers, and the elders coming after Him. He had enjoyed the hospitality of his host and would like for him and his family to have their peace. He had to move away from their house in the desire to ensure their pace.

He moved away from the city to the Mount of Olives to move the scene of His arrest and the commotion it would cause from the midst of people where it could probably result in a fight that could spread and disturb the peace of the city. He moved the action of the arrest to the Mount of Olives, to a quiet place outside the city.

We have been called to peace and must consciously work for peace. As beneficiaries of the peace of God, we are bound to seek to live in that peace and to ensure that it affects whatever environment we find ourselves in.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Can you truly say you are a person of peace? Can people testify that you love peace, live peaceably and seek out peace, even when you are offended by others and their mean ways?

As much as it depends on you, live at peace with all manner of people, as it depends on you! Commit to seeking peace with all manner of people, and the God of peace will help you.

PRAYER:

O my King of Peace, I come to you to thank you for the peace I have with you through the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that I will remain in that peace all the days of my life. May I live peaceably with all people and make choices that will spell peace in my home, in my work environment, in the wider society, and especially in your Church. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! __________________________ DAILY word study: MOUNT OF OLIVES The phrase "Mount of Olives" holds special significance in the biblical narrative. In Greek "Mount" is translated as (ὄρος - oros). It is used to describe elevated landforms."Olives" is also translated as (ἐλαιῶν - elaiōn). It refers to olive trees or olive groves. It signifies an area known for the cultivation of olives.

The "Mount of Olives" mentioned in Matthew 26:30 is a prominent location on the eastern side of Jerusalem, located just across the Kidron Valley. It is a place of historical and spiritual significance in the Bible.

In the context of this verse, the "Mount of Olives" serves as the setting for a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus and His disciples. After the Last Supper and the singing of a hymn, Jesus and His disciples depart for the Mount of Olives. It is on this mount that Jesus will experience the agony of Gethsemane, where He prays earnestly to His Father before His arrest and crucifixion.

The "Mount of Olives" symbolizes both the physical and spiritual journey of Jesus as He approaches the climax of His earthly ministry. It is a place of transition, where the peace and tranquillity of the olive groves contrast with the imminent trials and suffering that await Jesus.

This verse invites us to reflect on the significance of places and settings in our spiritual journeys. Just as the "Mount of Olives" marked a critical juncture in the life of Jesus, there are moments and locations in our lives that hold deep spiritual significance. They can be places of decision, revelation, and communion with God.

Reflections:

Are there places or moments in your own life that have served as spiritual markers or settings for significant encounters with God or moments of decision and transition? How can you make space for such moments of reflection and communion with God in your life?