Setting the Table

March 5, 2023

In the hours leading up to His crucifixion, Jesus endured terrible suffering. He was abandoned by His friends, betrayed by one of His closest associates, falsely accused, and wrongfully convicted. After this, He was stripped, beaten, mocked, nailed to a Roman cross, and left to die. Even after almost 2,000 years, these well-documented historical events are still shocking. But what is perhaps more surprising still is how one first-century witness described the manner in which Jesus faced such horrific circumstances. “For the joy set before Him,” the writer of Hebrews said, Jesus “endured the cross, scorning its shame.” What joy could come out of the cross? Join us for five-part series exploring Luke 22-23, recounting Jesus’ journey to the cross.

Listen to Podcast

Passage

Luke 22:7-20

Principles

We look ________ to see __________.

We look ____________ to see ____________.

We look ____________ to see the ____________.

Practice

As you prepare to take communion today, ask yourself these questions:

How has God shown Himself faithful to me in the past?
What is the current condition of my heart?
What is my ultimate hope in Jesus, and how is that hope helping me face my present realities?

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.

GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS

Aspire Church San Marco is growing! We’ve had an increase in attendance over the past several months. While this is awesome, it also presents some good challenges for us. Please pray with your group about how you can help us welcome our new guests and sustain the growth God is bringing our way.

Preschool Volunteers. We need more volunteers to love our preschoolers and tell them about Jesus, especially at 9 and 11 a.m. Could your group take a Sunday each month to provide 4-5 volunteers? See a staff member for more information. (Membership and background checks are required).

New Small Groups and Leaders Are Needed! We need to create four new groups to accommodate guests and new members. Please pray with your group about multiplication. We will meet on Sunday, March 12, at 12:15 p.m., with all small group leaders and anyone interested in becoming a small group leader. Lunch will be provided.

HANGOUT

What is the most essential task of the church? Whose responsibility is that? How effective is Aspire Church at accomplishing that task?

HEAR

Read Luke 10:1-20

What stands out to you about Jesus’ instructions to His disciples? Do His instructions still apply to His followers today? If so, how?
What is the harvest like today in Jacksonville? Are there adequate workers in the field? What is the biggest challenge facing our church today?
When is it time to wipe the dust off our feet? How should Jesus’ followers apply this directive today?

Read Luke 10:25-37

Aspire Church’s motto is to “Love everyone, always.” How does this align with Jesus’ answer to the question about the most important commandment? What makes this command so powerful?
Who demonstrated that kind of love in the parable Jesus told? What made this story shocking to Jesus’ audience?
If Jesus were to retell this story today, what would He say?

Read Luke 10:38-42

While this scene may not seem unusual today, it would have been scandalous in a first-century Jewish context. What does Jesus’ reaction to Mary tell us? What does Luke’s inclusion of this story in His Gospel tell us?
What was Martha’s issue, and how did Jesus respond to her? Some have criticized Martha for serving rather than sitting at Jesus’ feet. If Martha hadn’t helped, what might have happened? (See Luke 9:12-17).
Are you more like Mary or Martha? What prevents you from sitting at Jesus’ feet? What can you do this week to choose the better thing?

HUDDLE

Jesus sent His disciples out into the field to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom. Unfortunately, it appears as if too many of His followers are standing idly by. What are you doing to fulfill the great commission and great commandment? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.

Daily Reading

This week we will continue reading through the Gospel of Matthew and other key Old Testament passages. Invite the Holy Spirit to prepare your heart and mind as we reflect on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Day 1: Matthew 7
Day 2: Matthew 8
Day 3: Matthew 9
Day 4: Psalm 121
Day 5: Matthew 10
Day 6: Matthew 11
Day 7: Matthew 12