The Final Passover: Perfect Lamb for Straying Sheep

A familiar scene from the Gospel of Matthew reemerges during the final Passover meal: apart from Jesus himself, there are no heroes or saints. Instead, the meal portrays a group of failed men - straying sheep in the presence of a perfect Lamb. They sit with Jesus at the table not because of their own merits or righteousness but as beneficiaries of Jesus’ reconciling work for them.

Big Idea: Our straying, as Christ’s sheep, points to the necessity of the Lamb’s sacrifice for us.

1. Christ is Our Passover Lamb (17-19): While the sheep can’t grasp the significance of the moment, their Lamb discerns His time.
2. Christ Was Betrayed for Us (20-25): While the sheep question their loyalty, their Lamb Is loyal to His plan.
3. Christ Was Raised for Us (31-35): While the sheep will all fail, their Lamb will not fail His mission.