This is such a well know story that the group was surprised to discover some variance in the telling of what happened. The "short" text of Luke does not include Vss. 19b and 20. In this version, the cup comes before the bread, the cup is not connected to a new covenant, and the main focus of the supper is a feast of anticipation. The group talked about the early church possibly adding Vss. 19b and 20 to bring Luke into harmony with Mark 14:17-26 and I Corinthians 11:17-34. We appreciated the early church wanting to harmonize the scripture, but we also appreciated the variance. We noted that variance in baptism. Does the Holy Spirit come before, during, or after baptism? There is scriptural evidence for all three. Such variance helps to explain the diversity within the life of the church. Each denomination sighting its own scriptural evidence.
Beyond the supper, the group spent a great deal of time talking about Judas Iscariot. He is such an intriguing character in the passion story. Why did he betray Jesus? Was it just for the money? Was is because he was disappointed in Jesus? Was it to force Jesus' hand to take action and become the Messiah in the model of David? Any and all of these are possibilities. Of course, the real challenge is whether Judas was destined by God to betray Jesus? If so, how can Judas be accountable? There are those who have argued that Judas did have freewill and could have chosen not to betray Jesus. Luther argued that Judas could not make that choice and was still accountable. Was there mercy for Judas after his betrayal? The text has Jesus speak a word of woe for Judas, but is that an eternal woe? The group leaned towards wanting grace to speak for even Judas and that the sorrow of his suicide is not that there was no grace for him, but rather he was not open to or could not see the grace that was given. Consider another disciple. Peter felt his denial alone left him outside of God's grace and Jesus sends a special word just for him after his resurrection Jesus made sure the women told Peter in particular. There is something wondrous about grace that is poured out even when we deny and betray.
Pastor Summer
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