Designed For a New Covenant

Grace by Design

March 15, 2026

Summary

We begin a new series called "Grace by Design" leading up to Easter, focusing on how Jesus' crucifixion was intentional, not accidental. Using Luke 22:1-23, we examine the Last Supper and explain how Jesus gave himself for us to bring us to God. JMT explores three Old Testament sacrificial images connected to Jesus' death: the Passover lamb, covenant sacrifice, and atonement for sin. He emphasizes that Jesus faced opposition with ordinary consistency and established the Lord's Supper as both a memorial looking back to redemption and forward to God's kingdom. The sermon highlights how Jesus' death accomplishes redemption from bondage, defeats spiritual powers, and gives believers a new identity as God's treasured possession.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather together today to study Your Word, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us. Help us to set aside our preconceptions and distractions, and make us receptive to Your Spirit's leading. Lord, we know that Your plans are always perfect and purposeful, just as Jesus' sacrifice was by design. Guide our discussion today and help us to grow closer to You and to one another. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's one tradition or special meal that your family celebrates that holds deep meaning for you, and why is it significant?

Key Verses

  1. Luke 22:19-20
  2. Jeremiah 31:31-34
  3. Exodus 24:7-8
  4. 1 John 1:7

Questions

  1. How does understanding that Jesus' death was intentional rather than accidental change your perspective on the cross?
  2. JMT mentioned that Jesus faced 'social and supernatural opposition with ordinary consistency.' What does this teach us about how we should handle opposition in our own lives?
  3. What are some of the 'powers' that hold people in bondage today, and how does Jesus' death provide freedom from these?
  4. The sermon explained three accomplishments of Jesus' death: redemption, defeating powers, and giving new identity. Which of these resonates most with your personal experience and why?
  5. How does the concept of the 'new covenant' differ from the old covenant, and what does this mean for believers today?
  6. JMT asked, 'Who else needs to be at the Lord's table?' Who in your life might need an invitation to experience Jesus' love and acceptance?
  7. What does it mean practically to have God's instructions 'written on our hearts' as mentioned in Jeremiah 31?
  8. How can we ensure our church practices imitate Jesus in building unity around Him rather than around other things?

Life Application

This week, identify someone in your life who believes in Jesus but may feel like an outsider to church community. Commit to praying for that person daily and look for one practical way to share Jesus' welcome with them - whether through an invitation, an encouraging conversation, or simply showing Christ's love through your actions.


Key Takeaways

  1. Jesus' crucifixion was intentional and purposeful, not an accident - it was God's plan from the beginning
  2. Jesus' death accomplishes three things: redemption from bondage, defeat of spiritual powers, and giving believers a new identity as God's treasured possession
  3. The Lord's Supper connects us to both the Passover (redemption) and the New Covenant (permanent relationship with God)
  4. We need to accept Jesus' terms - His death brings us to God for relationship, not just to set us free to wander
  5. The New Covenant means God's instructions are written on our hearts, and we're called to know Him personally and follow His ways

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for laying down Your life intentionally for us. Thank You that Your death was not a tragedy but a triumph - accomplishing our redemption, defeating the powers that held us captive, and giving us a new identity as Your treasured possession. Help us to live worthy of this calling this week. Give us hearts that are open to Your instructions written within us, and help us to draw near to You daily. Show us who needs to be invited to Your table, and give us courage to extend Your welcome to others. May we live as people who truly understand the depth of Your love and the purpose of Your sacrifice. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.