Party Pooper

Introduction

Now on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” 18 And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover. 20 When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve. 21 Now as they were eating, He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” 22 And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?” 23 He answered and said, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me. 24 The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” 25 Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?” He said to him, “You have said it.” Matthew 26:17-25

When God formed the nation of Israel, He instituted feasts/parties where the people would gather to celebrate and remember Him and His awesome works. One such party was the Passover and the Feast of the Unleavened Bread, commemorated and celebrated concurrently.

Like a good host, God wants everyone to have a meaningful and enjoyable time. He initiates, invites, includes and involves. Everything is prepared and provided for. However, not everyone who turns up may have the same intent as we shall see in the case of Jesus and His party of twelve at the Passover Party.

Party Preparations – Matthew 26:17-25

In this section, we will learn about the origin and significance of the Passover party. The Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread are celebrated together to commemorate Israel’s deliverance from Egypt(Exodus 12,13:3-10); the beginning of not just a new nation(Exodus 13:4, Leviticus 23:4-8) but the constitution of God’s people(Exodus 19:6) and the commissioning of God’s kingdom army(Exodus 12:41). It became ritualised much later as the Passover Seder Meal.

In Matthew 26:17-19, we see that Jesus knew the set place, the set time and even the setup! The Passover Party was not just another party for food and fun. It was a kingdom party with kingdom significance; specially prepared for a fresh kingdom move through Jesus’ party of twelve. All were invited and included even Judas.

Party Protocol (Position) – Matthew 26:20

By considering the positions and placement of the disciples at the table (Matthew 26:20, John 13:23-25), we are better able to understand the implications. Regardless of protocol/position, all were included in the party, each having a part in the kingdom  and all were expected to serve one another. Regardless of Juda’s intent, Jesus still reached out to him.

Party Pooper – Matthew 26:21

On the surface, it would seem that everyone was having a good time at the Passover Party. And then, amidst the festivities and feasting, fun, joy & laughter, Jesus makes a shocking declaration: “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” It was a real party pooper!

Jesus appeared to have been the One who spoilt the mood and tone of the party but the real party pooper was Judas – the party who did not want to be part of this party. Judas knew that Jesus knew and yet knowingly proceeded with his own party. In a celebration to commemorate how God delivered Israel, Judas decided to deliver Jesus to the authorities.

Party Points to Ponder

Here are some party points to ponder from the passage:

Jesus invites all to the party, even Judases
So, let us keep inviting all to believe in Him and to encourage all to participate personally and fully.

Jesus is not afraid to pause the party
He will do all that is necessary to ensure that each party is properly postured for what is to come.

Jesus warns of betrayal from within
We have been warned that not everything is as it seems. We are to help one another to be aware and vigilant.

Ask Jesus to Search & Reveal
We are all one step to falling and are not to be presumptuous. We need to be always on guard and sensitive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and be always prompt to align and realign.

Conclusion

Have you been provoked by any of these party points, causing you to pause and ponder how you can be more purposeful as a part of Jesus’ party? Jesus may have paused the party but party pooper or not, the party progresses as Jesus provides new perspectives to the Passover Party. The kingdom continues to advance. What a privilege it is to be a part of Jesus’ kingdom people and party!