Christ, Our Passover

Pastor Joel explores the final night before Jesus' crucifixion, examining Mark 14:12-72 to reveal the profound depth of Christ's love demonstrated through His willing sacrifice. He emphasizes that true love transcends mere inconvenience—it means looking betrayers in the eye, remaining silent before accusers, and enduring unimaginable suffering for the sake of others. Pastor Joel traces Jesus' institution of the New Covenant during the Passover meal, His agony in Gethsemane, and the contrast between His steadfast obedience and His disciples' weakness. Central to the message is understanding that Jesus became our Passover Lamb, fulfilling 1,500 years of prophetic symbolism. The crushing weight Jesus bore in Gethsemane was not primarily physical pain, but the shame, guilt, and reproach of all human sin. Through prayer and submission to the Father's will, Jesus charted the course to the cross, motivated by the joy of redeeming His people. Pastor Joel calls believers to deeper appreciation of Christ's love, preparation through prayer before trials come, and willingness to surrender their own wills to God's perfect plan.