Main Point: Identification with Jesus leads to hostile battle, which we must prepare for, according to his provision and instruction.

I. Jesus prepares by warning and assurance (vv. 31-34).

II. Jesus prepares by reminder, instruction, and correction (vv. 35-38).

Main Point: Jesus redefined greatness as service and faithfulness now, which is honored by God later.

I. The apostles’ focus and priorities were distorted (vv. 23-24).

II. Jesus explained the world’s concept of greatness (v. 25).

III. Jesus redefined greatness in God’s kingdom as humility, servanthood, and faithfulness, following his example (vv. 26-28).

IV. Jesus-style greatness will be honored by God (vv. 29-30).

Big Idea: Jesus used Passover to teach about his death, now commemorated through the multi-dimensional symbolism of the Lord’s Supper.

I. The Lord’s Supper expresses fellowship (v. 15).

II. The Lord’s Supper anticipates the future (vv. 16, 18).

III. The Lord’s Supper declares gratitude (vv. 17, 19, 20).

IV. The Lord’s Supper symbolizes his death (vv. 19-20).

V. The Lord’s Supper signifies the new covenant (v. 20).

VI. The Lord’s Supper remembers Jesus (v. 19).

VII. The Lord’s Supper and all it represents is deeply personal (vv. 19-20).

Passage Summary: While evil forces plot his death, Jesus sets the stage for understanding his death.

I. The people and the plot (21:34—22:6).

II. The preparation for Passover (and beyond) (22:7-13).

Big Idea: Christ’s cataclysmic second coming is certain, and it should motivate his followers to hope, vigilance, and prayer.

I. Before and during Christ’s return, there will be great and frightening turmoil in creation (vv. 25-27).

II. For believers, Christ’s return and the events surrounding it are not cause for terror, but for hope (v. 28).

III. The end can be foreseen, much as budding leaves indicate summer’s approach (vv. 29-31).

IV. Jesus’ words about his coming are certain (vv. 32-33).

V. To be ready, believers are called to vigilance and prayer (vv. 34-36).

Big Idea: In light of coming judgment, Jesus prepares his disciples with warnings and assurances.

I. The need for discernment and calm amid deception and tumult (vv. 7-11).

II. The need for perseverance and trust because of coming persecution (vv. 12-19).

III. The need for wisdom at the time of God’s judgment (vv. 20-24).

Main Point: Following Jesus authentically means knowing Christ as Lord, renouncing false religiosity, and giving him our all.

I. Jesus clarifies messianic identity (vv. 41-44).

II. Jesus warns against pretentious piety (vv. 45-47).

III. Jesus commends sacrificial devotion (21:1-4).

Main Point: Because he is God of the living, resurrection is a certain hope for God’s covenant people.

I. In this age, death is a fact of life (vv. 27-40).

II. Some mock or deny the reality of the afterlife (vv. 27-33).

III. Life in the age to come will be significantly different from life in this age (vv. 34-36).

IV. God’s nature guarantees the resurrection (vv. 37-38).

V. Application:

A. Worship.

B. Hope.

C. Life.

I. What a blessed person is not (v. 1).

II. What a blessed person is (v. 2).

III. This blessedness is fulfilled in Christ, and to us through Christ (in biblical context).

IV. Outcome for the righteous: what a blessed life looks like (v. 3).

V. Outcome for the wicked (vv. 4-6).