This week we will be looking at the Last Supper in Luke 22. Because of our sin we need forgiveness and a restored relationship with God. The cross where Christ died is what makes this forgiveness possible. We deserved punishment but were extended grace and forgiveness because Jesus died in our place. Jesus took our sin upon himself and extended to us grace, forgiveness and right standing with God. This is the heart of God to restore us to Himself in relational union. This truth is dramatically conveyed by the French novelist Victor Hugo in his masterpiece, “Les Miserable”. Against the backdrop of the French Revolution Hugo tells a story of human struggle, conflict, grace and forgiveness. Many years ago I was dating Lisa and hoping that one day she would accept my marriage proposal. It took a long time to win her over but she finally said, “yes”. At one point in the long process I decided to try to impress her by inviting her to a Broadway stage production of “Les Miserable” in New York City. We were attending a seminary near the Big Apple. She accepted my invitation and we went to the production. One significant scene centers upon Jean Valjean who has lived a life of crime but has recently been released from prison. He is hungry and looking for a place to stay. A local bishop offers him food and housing for the night. Jean Valjean has a weak moment and upon leaving the Bishop’s residence he steals some silverware and plates. He is later apprehended by local authorities who find the stolen items in his possession. When the authorities take Jean Valjean to the bishop for identification of the thief and recovery of the stolen items the bishop responds, “you forgot your candlesticks”. The bishop’s words were a shock wave of grace. He could have said, “yes, that is the thief and those are my plates and silverware.” Instead, he decided to convey the opposite, “you forgot your candlesticks”. For the remainder of the story Valjean kept the candlesticks near him to remind him of the mercy that was extended to him which began his transformation. The heart of the Gospel is confession, forgiveness and grace.  God foreshadowed the plan of redemption in the Old Testament Passover account. Jesus is the Passover Lamb Himself who died and shed his blood for our forgiveness. Let’s study the Last Supper together on Sunday and bow in wonder before our God who provides for our forgiveness through the death of His Son.
God Bless You
Pastor Drew
